More than 500 schools and 74,000 pupils, teachers and parents visited this year’s three-day Skills Show held at the NEC Birmingham last week.
Events at the show’s third year included a wide range of hands-on experiences and skills competitions.
The “Have a Go” concept made up of “bite-sized” skills experiences proved popular, with 49 stations offering the chance to try careers as varied as bricklaying, floristry, web design and media make-up.
Ross Maloney, chief executive of Find a Future, which oversees the event as well as WorldSkills UK Skills competitions, said: “Delivering a high quality, memorable experience is of paramount importance . . . I am confident that 2014’s event was our best yet.
“Feedback from 2013 indicated we needed to keep the quality of the visitor experience high, and ensure everyone could explore all the careers opportunities on offer fully. This year’s event certainly delivered on this, with crowds spread right across the NEC engaging with all elements of the show throughout its three days.”
The finals of WorldSkills UK Skills competitions were held alongside the show.
An open show floor design was introduced this year to allow visitors to move easily between areas and ensured that WorldSkills UK competitors could be watched without disturbance.
Sixty-four competitors reached national finals, with 588 finalists showing their skills and abilities in a variety of categories.
Medals were presented on Saturday in a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Will Best. Winners will now begin training to compete for a place in Team UK, which will take part in WorldSkills 2017 in Abu Dhabi.
Schools Week and sister paper FE Week are official media partners of the Skills Show.
Main pic: PRIDE AS “BITE-SIZED” SKILLS TESTED BY SCHOOL CHILDREN
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