A team from Redcar & Cleveland College will showcase their skills expertise to a global audience later this week, when the UK plays host to the world’s greatest skills competition, WorldSkills London 2011.

The group, consisting of staff and students from the college’s plastering and dry-lining department, will travel to London to deliver a master class demonstration of their skills as part of the international competition, which will see teams from across the globe compete in a variety of skills disciplines.

Over 150,000 visitors are expected at the competition, including members of the public and some of the world’s most highly respected skills experts.

The team’s demonstration will focus on decorative fibrous plastering, which is one of the most difficult and complex areas of plastering and involves the production and installation of ornate moulded cornices and coving.

Josh Wallis, who is one of the students making the trip said, "We're really excited to have been chosen to showcase our skills at WorldSkills London 2011. 

“As a student, it's great to be part of something this big and gain recognition for all the hard work we've put in as part of our course at the college. 

“Our display is going to wow the audience and I can’t wait for October!”

The WorldSkills London 2011 Competition will take place at London’s ExCel Centre over four days, from 5 – 8 October. It will see over 1,000 of the most skilled young people from all corners of the globe battling it out in 46 different disciplines, competing to be crowned the best of the best in their chosen skill. Showcase colleges and training providers will help to inspire the audience and help them to look at the endless possibilities for their future jobs and careers.

College principle Gary Groom sees this as a chance for young people from the Tees Valley area to have a place in history:

“The last time a WorldSkills competition was held in the UK was over two decades ago – this really is a once in a generation opportunity for our students and we’re delighted that the excellent standards our students achieve will be recognised to such a prestigious national and international audience. 

“To be part of an event which recognises skills at the very highest level is truly aspirational and I have every faith that our students will rise to the occasion and help to put on a truly spectacular show.”