WorldSkills UK has launched its Local Skills Competition Endorsement Framework as part of its ongoing commitment to raising standards in technical and vocational education.
For the first time, organisations will be able to access expert advice, support and guidance from WorldSkills UK to assist with the running of inter-department and local skills competitions to support students and apprentices in developing their technical and employability skills to higher levels. Educators will also be able to use WorldSkills UK’s resources to benchmark their students and apprentices against international and national standards. Organisations who participate in the WorldSkills UK endorsed activity will be formally recognised through digital badges.
The Local Skills Competition Endorsement Framework draws on WorldSkills UK’s extensive experience of running national competitions and preparing Team UK for international competitions. WorldSkills UK’s activity is seen as an integral part of the post-16 education and training calendar and the Framework is underpinned by global insights from WorldSkills UK’s recent participation at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, where the UK placed tenth in the world.
Parisa Shirazi, Director of Standards, WorldSkills UK said: “We are incredibly excited to launch the Local Skills Competition Endorsement Framework. Competition-based learning is recognised by educators as one of the most powerful tools for driving quality improvement, as well as developing and assessing technical skills. This Framework is designed to raise standards, inspire ambition, and provide teaching staff and learners with access to world-class skills development to meet the rapidly changing demands of both existing and emerging industries.”
The Local Skills Competition Endorsement Framework can be accessed through the WorldSkills UK Learning Lab.