WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition 2014 unveiled Young talents contest for participating in the WorldSkills Competition
The WorldSkills Competition is also held biennially, gathering more than 1,000 young talents from 67 countries and regions to test their skills against the international standards.
Hong Kong, July 2, 2014 (Newswire.com) - The WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition 2014 Launch Ceremony held today (6 June) kicked off the contests in 25 trades, putting to test the professional skills of young people. Themed “Discover Skills” this year, the WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition brought together some 300 young contestants and recorded the highest number of competitors.
The WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition 2014 covers 6 major areas, namely, Transportation and Logistics, Construction and Building Technology, Manufacturing and Engineering Technology, Information and Communication Technology, Creative Arts and Fashion, and Social and Personal Services. Winners of the Competition may be selected to undergo further training and represent Hong Kong to compete with young professionals from around the world in the WorldSkills Competition, known as the “Skill Olympics”, to be held in São Paulo, Brazil next August.
The WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition is indeed the master tournament in vocational skills. It does not only offer youngsters an opportunity to compare notes with their peers, but also a prominent platform for knowledge exchange.
Mr Matthew CHEUNG, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, HKSAR
Officiating at the Ceremony of the biennial skills competition, Mr Matthew CHEUNG, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, HKSAR, addressed, “The WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition is indeed the master tournament in vocational skills. It does not only offer youngsters an opportunity to compare notes with their peers, but also a prominent platform for knowledge exchange. Evolving with the times, vocational skills will become increasingly important. Young people equipped with relevant skills will enjoy a head start in the employment market.”
Mr Herman HUI, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Youth Skills Competition said: “Vocational education and training is an indispensable cradle for nurturing skilled talents needed to support the robust development of society. The WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition plays a key role in facilitating the development and exchange of vocational skills. I believe the contestants will gain invaluable experience in advancing their skills and personal growth when preparing and partaking in the competitions.”
Contests of the 25 trades are unfolded today, among which 11 will be held in the WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition cum Carnival 2014 for the first time at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on 27 and 28 June. The Competition cum Carnival will be a good opportunity for members of the public to discover and explore interests in skills. Referencing the international skills competitions, competitors will be tested for their attentiveness and self-confidence. On the occasion, a variety of fun-filled activities will be presented for visitors to experience the pleasure of learning new skills.
More than 20 “Have-a-Go” thematic skills activities will be arranged in the Competition cum Carnival. Interesting and educational, the activities are suitable for children, primary and secondary school students, and families to spend an enjoyable weekend. Through simple and fun ways, “Have-a-Go” activities ranging from vehicle tyres replacement, DIY mini LED light, body painting to mocktail mixing, enhance the understanding of professional skills. Visitors may have a chance to get special gifts as well.
In addition, industry leaders will host talks to share their success stories and the latest development of industries. Education advisers arranged on spot are also ready to assist students and their parents to plan the progression pathways and career directions.
Admission is free for the 2-day WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition cum Carnival, runs from 9 am to 5 pm. Free shuttle bus service is available at MTR Kowloon Tong Station and Yau Tong Station to bring visitors to and from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal between 8:30 am and 7:30 pm.
The WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition cum Carnival has received overwhelming support from industries and the VTC Training Boards. The generous sponsorship worth over HK2.6 million in total, contributes to promoting skills and training young talents to compete in regional and international skills competitions.
Steered by the Standing Committee on Youth Skills Competition, the WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition is jointly organised by the Vocational Training Council (VTC), the Construction Industry Council and the Clothing Industry Training Authority. Since 1996, the biennial Competition provides an exchange platform for young people aged 21 or below to broaden their horizons and enhance professional skills.
The WorldSkills Competition is also held biennially, gathering more than 1,000 young talents from 67 countries and regions to test their skills against the international standards. Hong Kong first took part in the WorldSkills Competition in 1997 and has since won 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 32 Medallions for Excellence.
WorldSkills Hong Kong Secretariat