WorldSkills International provides a unique means of exchange and comparison of world-class competency standards in the industrial trades and service sectors of the global economy. It delivers a cost effective means for international government and industry cooperation in achieving higher standards and status for vocational education and training on a worldwide basis.  This is why British Council is an advocate of the movement and a committed and active supporter.  

China and Vietnam have totally different experiences of WorldSkills competitions.  Vietnam has an enviable track record and medal haul, while WorldSkills London 2011 was China’s debut on the international stage. However, both were keen to boost their chances of success by working with UK experts, and contacted British Council for help.

The China team - stepping onto the international stage

The Chinese Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MoHRSS).  contacted British Council for help in preparing its six strong team for their first ever appearance and we were able to provide advice and guidance in the shape of Jenny Shackleton, Head of Skills Development at WorldSkills UK, and Mathew Bell and Paul Green, training managers for Mechanical Engineering CAD and CNC Turning respectively.

They explained the rules and requirements of competitions in detail and shared successful experience and lessons learnt in preparing for the previous competitions; advising on the selection of competitors and preparing training plans.

Speaking at the time of the visit, Mr. Song Jian, Deputy Director, China Employment Training Technical Instruction Central said, "I am very impressed by the sincerity, positive attitude and professionalism of the UK experts. Thanks to British Council's help, we have built up confidence to prepare for the WorldSkills competition in London. I hope this workshop is the starting point of our long-term friendship and broader partnerships"

And it looks like everyone did a very good job, the six strong China team came home with two silver medals and four Medallions for Excellence – an excellent result for a first appearance!

The Vietnam team - building on past success

The Vietnamese team have had significant success at other WorldSkills events but felt that WorldSKills London 2011 would be more challenging, with much greater competition for medals. They were seeking specialist advice to help the team build up its capacity, get to grips with the rules and work as a team.

The British Council invited two of the UKSkills training managers Jennie James, web design expert and Mathew Bell, mechanical engineering CAD expert, to Vietnam to run a workshop. The training focussed on interactivity, with the team completing test projects and a quiz, followed by a question and answer session about the rules.

Dr Duong Duc Lan, deputy director of General Department for Vocation Training (GDVT), said: “I am very grateful for the technical support from the UK. This is just one of a series of activities where we have worked with the British Council and UKSkills since the January 2010 signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the British Council for collaborative work in the skills sector. I was very impressed by their supportive attitude and professionalism. It has really enhanced our confidence."

The 12-strong team returned home with a very creditable total of 7 medallions for Excellence.