Welcome to our Frequently asked questions (FAQ) page. Here you will find answers to the most common questons about WorldSkills London 2011. If you cannot find what you are looking for here, please contact us instead.

 

1. When is WorldSkills London 2011 taking place?

WorldSkills London 2011 is taking place between Wednesday 5th and Saturday 8th October 2011. There are four days of competition and there will be an Opening Ceremony on Tuesday 4th October and a Closing Ceremony on Sunday 9th October.

2. Where is WorldSkills London 2011 being held?

ExCeL London, the international exhibition and conference centre, is the host venue for WorldSkills London 2011.

3. What will happen at WorldSkills London 2011?

There will be 45 official competition zones at WorldSkills London 2011, covering everything from bricklaying to hairdressing (see our skills page for more information). There will also be some 'have a go' areas where visitors can try their hand at different skills and find out more about career options, plus meet the experts.

4. Who is WorldSkills London 2011 for?

The short answer is everyone! However, some groups may be particularly interested, like young people interested in finding out more about careers in skills, teachers, parents, schools, employers, businesses, sponsors, partners and stakeholders.

5. How many visitors are you expecting?

We expect to get around 150,000 visitors through the doors of ExCeL London during the four days of competition.

6. How are you working with the 2012 Olympic Games?

We have had initial discussions around collaborative working with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG). We will be in a unique position of running a large event at one of the Olympic venues, nine months prior to the Games coming to London in 2012. We will work with LOCOG to maximise opportunities around this.

7. How are you going to work with schools?

We are developing an education engagement programme that will be integrated into the national curriculum. We aim to encourage students to think seriously about a vocational skill as a worthwhile and valued career choice. The programme will reach a significant number of school students throughout the United Kingdom and will incorporate elements which culminate at the actual Event at ExCeL London in October 2011. See our Education page for more details.

8. How can I get involved?

There are many ways to get involved in WorldSkills London 2011, by sponsoring the Event, providing support in kind, becoming a Champion of skills competitions, promoting the Event to your own networks and getting involved in WorldSkills UK Competitions. Nearer to the event, there will also be volunteering opportunities and, of course, the chance to come along to the Event as well! Contact us for more information.

9. How do I become a Competitor at WorldSkills London 2011?

Each country selects their competitors slightly differently, so please see our Compete page for details. However, in the UK, the 2009/10 WorldSkills UK competition cycle is the last one where exceptional competitors may be considered for a place at WorldSkills London 2011. WorldSkills UK winners may be shortlisted for the Squad selection process from which the Team UK for WorldSkills London 2011 will be selected. To find out more or to enter a competition, visit worldskillsuk.org/competitions, choose a skill of interest and follow on-screen instructions. For help at any stage, please get in touch with the WorldSkills UK contact centre at worldskillsuk@ukskills.org.uk

10. I'm interested in working for WorldSkills London 2011. How do I apply?

We are a thriving team working to deliver an outstanding event and lasting legacy. If you think you're up to the challenge, we look forward to hearing from you - our recruitment page lists vacancies and describes how to apply.