WorldSkills Leaders Forum addresses vocational training and skills development

Top speakers from around the world addressed the impact that vocational training has on economic growth during the 2011 WorldSkills Leaders Forum (WSLF) held on October 6, 2011.The Harvard Graduate School of Education report entitled “Pathways to Prosperity” was the catalyst behind the theme and direction for this year’s event and the program saw a mix of developing and developed countries showcase how they are making a difference in skills development and promotion.

Business Secretary Vince Cable who announced £11 million of Government matched funding to enable employers to deliver more effective skills solutions through more apprenticeships, new professional standards and closer partnerships with education and training providers, spoke of how young people should feel proud of their skills, as they will provide the solution to the downturn in the global economy. Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning Minister John Hayes also stressed the importance of investing in human capital and celebrating practical learning like we have celebrated academic learning for decades.

The “Pathways to Prosperity” report, outlined by Robert Schwartz of Harvard, indicated that career readiness in the United States has been on the back burner, while academics have been a priority. He emphasized the importance of ensuring students in vocational pathways receive rigorous academics in math and science, and that effective educational programs serve a broad range of students, provide a number of career options for graduates, involve employers in curriculum development and include work placement components.

The final portion of the day’s program was a panel session that included Global Industry Partners Autodesk, Lincoln Electric and Cisco Systems, Inc. who gave a response from Industry on skills development and industry’s demand for skilled workers and the changes in the workforce.  The WSLF was supported by WorldSkills International’s Global Industry Partners in partnership with WorldSkills London 2011's Premier Sponsors.