Conference and events programme

» The full programme is available for download

The 2011 WorldSkills Premiere Experience (WSPE) was a conference and events programme that brought leaders together from around the world for a productive, informative and exciting program with the WorldSkills Competition as its centre-piece. Networking, learning and sharing best practices were at the core of the 2011 WorldSkills Premiere Experience.

Programme

Monday 3 October

INSSO's inaugural conference

INSSO's inaugural conference, Work Global, Act Sectoral, took place on the eve of WorldSkills London 2011, on 3rd October at the Royal Society of Arts in London. The conference was open to all educational and skills organisations; as well as sectoral, industry and trade associations.

Proudly sponsored by the global publishing brand Pearson, the conference has been described as the "World Economic Forum for jobs, growth and skills".

Particupants included expert speakers from industry skills bodies as far afield as Australia and India, as well as multi-national bodies such as UNESCO and the European Commission. This was a not to be missed opportunity to understand the real challenges that face today's global labour force.

Tuesday 4 October

Study Visits

The Study Visits set out best practice and innovations in the English College sector and showcased a specific skill to link into the WorldSkills Competition. The Study Visits demonstrated how Colleges are responding to curriculum, educational and funding challenges as well as the policy priorities of the UK Coalition Government, and inspired and motivated international delegates. View the study visit programme.

Guided tour of London

This was an opportunity to experience the dynamic city with a half-day tour including a panoramic tour of London, guided tour of St Paul’s Cathedral, a visit to the Tower of London and Crown Jewels and a Thames River Cruise.

Opening Ceremony

Held at The O2, the Ceremony was a dynamic and exciting show that celebrated the excellence within WorldSkills London 2011 and showcased youth performances from across the UK. The Opening Ceremony centred on the story of world communities coming together for WorldSkills London 2011 to create a lasting legacy. It welcomed the international Competitors to the United Kingdom, and showcased London as the exciting multicultural global village it is today.

Wednesday 5 October

Study Visits

Access to WorldSkills London 2011

Access to the 41st WorldSkills Competition, the world’s largest, international skills competition with young people from across the globe competing to be the best of the best in their chosen skill.

Guided tours of WorldSkills London 2011

Tours of the Competition with an experienced guide were also available.

10.30 – 11.30 Tour one
13.00 – 14.00 Tour two
15.30 – 16.30 Tour three

WorldSkills Premiere Experience Lounge

Dedicated business lounge for WSPE participants with WorldSkills Connect networking opportunities with peers and colleagues from around the world, daily briefing sessions from WorldSkills International was available

Work Inspiration – Conference

Young people, apprentices and employers came together for the second anniversary of Work Inspiration, the campaign that transforms the quality of work experience delivered by Business in the Community. This was both a celebration of the impact that inspiring introductions to the world of work have on the future workforce, and a call to action for more employers to deliver more high quality placements.

Big Conversation

The Work Inspiration campaign aims to better prepare young people for employment and bridge the transition between the classroom and the world of work by turning work experience into Work Inspiration. The purpose of the Big Conversation is to encourage employers, apprentices and young people to discuss work experience and employability skills – the business case, the drivers for young people, the opportunities and barriers – and how to make introductions to the workplace meaningful, relevant and inspiring. For the first time, apprentices joined CEOs and young people in a Big Conversation to share their stories of progression in the workplace and the opportunities that vocational routes offer.

'How to' Seminars

A selection of seminars by employers for employers. These seminars addressed key topics and issues related to developing current and future skills and the delivery of valuable and engaging work placements for both the employer and young person.

Audience

Young people, apprentices, CEOs and other senior business representatives, business practitioners, and senior professionals working in the skills sector of education.

Speaker information

Speakers - Work Inspiration.

For more information visit:

www.workinspiration.com

Programme

Work Inspiration – The Big Conversation

08.00 – 09.00 Registration and refreshments
09.00 – 10.30 The Big Conversation – Part One
10.30 – 11.00 Tea and coffee break
11.00 – 12.30 The Big Conversation – Part Two
12.30 – 13.30 Lunch

Work Inspiration – ‘How to’ Seminars

Session 1A: Richard Earp, Education & Skills Manager, National Grid.
"Enthusing & Engaging tomrorow’s workforce"

Session 1B: Ann Brown, UK HR Director, Capgemini UK plc.
"Engaging your workforce through Work Inspiration placements & apprenticeships"

Session 1C: Amanda Brady, HR Director, Whitbread.
"Creating a learning culture"

Session 1D: Bradley Lightbody, Director of Training, Collegenet.
"Diamond Lesson Plan: applied learning"

Session 2A – Jo Taylor, Head of Learning & 4Talent, Channel 4.
"Inspiring home grown talent"

Session 2B – Glyn Dean, Squadron Leader, S02 Concepts, Royal Airforce (RAF) College Cranwey.
"Busting the Gender Stereotype: the RAF Journey"

Session 2C - Claire Ford, Employee Support Manager, Marks & Spencer.
"Breaking barriers to employment for young people"

Session 2D - Chidi Okolo, Head of Education, WorldSkills London 2011
"Learning outside the classroom: using applied learning methods to raise attainment"

Thursday 6 October

Access to WorldSkills London 2011

Access to the WorldSkills London 2011, the world’s largest, international skills competition with young people from across the globe competing to be the best of the best in their chosen skill.

Guided tours of WorldSkills London 2011

Tours of the Competition with an experienced guide were also available.

10.30 – 11.30 Tour one
13.00 – 14.00 Tour two
15.30 – 16.30 Tour three

WorldSkills Premiere Experience Lounge

WorldSkills Leaders Forum – Conference

The WorldSkills Leaders Forum (WSLF) is an annual global event on themes of global relevance and are chosen based on input from delegates and members. The WSLF itself serves as an annual kick-start for the networking process, striving to exploit and develop the power of WorldSkills International’s global network to meet the needs of industry and commerce and those who train them – to the mutual benefit of all concerned. Its relevance and importance has grown and it is now an important and integral part of the annual WorldSkills calendar.

Our goal for the 2011 WorldSkills Leaders Forum (WSLF) was to bring to the stage several countries and international corporations that are making a difference in skills development and promotion. The WSLF was held in conjunction with the 41st WorldSkills Competition, the world's largest global skills promotion event bringing together some 58 countries/regions. The 2011 WSLF was proudly supported by WorldSkills International’s Global Industry Partners in partnership with WorldSkills London 2011's Premier Sponsors.

Following presentations from key leaders in business and commerce, delegates had their chance to participate through a "Question Time" style session with an extended panel of experts, exploring the benefits of investing in skills, the role skills will play in the global economic recovery and the importance of striving for excellence as a way of motivating young people.

Audience

Leaders in government, industry and education, senior professionals in vocational education, training initiatives, skills sector and apprenticeships; senior government officials and strategic planners and senior work based learning providers and further education professionals.

Programme

08.00 – 09.00 Registration and refreshments
09.00 – 11.30 WorldSkills Leaders Forum
11.30 – 13.00 Networking lunch
13.00 – 14.25 WorldSkills Leaders Forum
14.25 – 14.40 Tea and coffee break
14.40 – 15.30 WorldSkills Leaders Forum

Speaker biographies and information - Leaders Forum

Master of Ceremonies for WorldSkills Leaders Forum was Nadine Dereza

Friday 7 October

Study Visits

The Study Visits set out best practice and innovations in the English College sector and showcased a specific skill to link into the WorldSkills Competition. The Study Visits demonstrated how Colleges are responding to curriculum, educational and funding challenges as well as the policy priorities of the UK Coalition Government, and inspire and motivate international delegates. View the study visit programme.

Access to WorldSkills London 2011

Access to the WorldSkills London 2011, the world’s largest, international skills competition with young people from across the globe competing to be the best of the best in their chosen skill.

Guided tours of WorldSkills London 2011

Tours of the Competition with an experienced guide were also available.

10.30 – 11.30 Tour one
13.00 – 14.00 Tour two
15.30 – 16.30 Tour three

WorldSkills Premiere Experience Lounge

Restaurant Service competition

WSPE participants had the chance to be an integral part of WorldSkills London 2011 and experienced a unique dining opportunity by being served by one of the Restaurant Service Competitors.

Global Skills Marketplace – Conference

The Global Skills Marketplace (GSM) offered a series of internationally themed seminars relating to skills development and training, skills policy and practice, emerging technologies, the new global workforce and international best practices. These seminars allowed participants to learn and share best practices, ask questions and network with others. The GSM provided the opportunity for leaders from industry, government and education to gather and address global skills issues, to network and to share best practices. These best practices were shared so benefits can be realised in regions across the world.

Programme

08.00 – 09.00 Registration and refreshments
09.00 – 09.50 Session one
10.05 – 10.55 Session two
10.55 – 11.15 Tea and coffee break
11.15 – 12.05 Session three
12.05 – 13.00 Lunch
13.00 – 13.50 Session four
14.05 – 14.55 Session five

For more information see: Global Skills Marketplace

Saturday 8 October

Regeneration Tour - London Borough of Newham

Guided coach tour of the bourgh of Newham to see local places of interest and hear about the regeneration programme were available. View the study visit programme.

Access to WorldSkills London 2011

Access to the 41st WorldSkills Competition, the world’s largest, international skills competition with young people from across the globe competing to be the best of the best in their chosen skill.

Guided tours of WorldSkills London 2011

Tours of the Competition with an experienced guide were also available.

10.30 – 11.30 Tour one
13.00 – 14.00 Tour two
15.30 – 16.30 Tour three

Restaurant Service competition

WSPE participants had the chance to be an integral part of WorldSkills London 2011 and experienced a unique dining opportunity by being served by one of the Restaurant Service Competitors.

Sunday 9 October

Closing Ceremony

Held at The O2, the Ceremony was a dynamic and exciting show that celebrated the excellence within WorldSkills London 2011 and showcased youth performance from across the UK. The Closing Ceremony was where all the WorldSkills London 2011 winners were announced and all medals presented. As such, it had a strong theme of celebration and highlighted the springboard that WorldSkills London 2011 created in terms of its legacy. From performers to technical support and costume design, young people from across the United Kingdom were integral to the delivery of every aspect of the Ceremony.