Welsh colleges are urged to back Worldskills

COLLEGES and training providers are being urged to enter a major competition to promote the region's skills around the world. 

Dr Haydn Edwards has been appointed as the first WorldSkills Champion for Wales and says he is confident Wales will be well represented in the UK team to compete in the WorldSkills competitions when they come to London in 2011 – if colleges and training providers pledge their support. Dr Edwards, principal of Coleg Menai in Bangor, was appointed WorldSkills Champion for Wales last summer after being nominated by fforwm, the organisation representing further education colleges and institutions in Wales. 

Colleges, training providers and sector skills councils will be holding competitions in a wide range of skill categories this year. 

Following regional heats, winners of the Welsh finals in each category may also be invited to compete again at the WorldSkills UK finals for the chance to represent the UK at the world's largest skills competition. 

WorldSkills is held every two years, with 51 countries competing in over 40 different vocational skills. WorldSkills 2009 is being held in Calgary, Canada, in September and WorldSkills 2011 will be held in London. "

Wales really must get its act together to ensure we punch above our weight at UK level and in the forthcoming WorldSkills competitions," said Dr Edwards.