College tutor requested as a judge at World Skills event

Every two years, hundreds of the best young professionals gather to showcase their talents and abilities against the rest of the world. The World Skills Competition is into its 40th year and is still the biggest event of its kind in the world and a member of staff from Peterborough Regional College has been requested to return as a judge for the event.

Paul Cooper, Curriculum Director of Travel, Leisure and Computing at Peterborough Regional College, is heading out to Calgary, Canada where the competition is being held this year. Paul has been judging in the competition since 2001, where Gavin Lester, a PRC student, won the national competition and was to represent the UK in the World Skills. The National Training Manager for the event at the time retired and Paul as Gavin’s Tutor was asked if he would fill the role. He was then made Chief Judge for the 2007 Japan competition and voted again for 2009 Calgary.
Paul has also spent time recently mentoring one of students being entered into the competition this year to represent the UK.

Spread over 7 days this year from 1 September, the World Skills Competition provides the ultimate demonstration of a variety of skills designed to encourage and promote the areas of speciality to young people. Contestants will be competing for gold, silver and bronze medals in 45 categories ranging from cabinet making to web design.

The 41st World Skills Competition in 2011 will take place in London from 6 – 9 of October. The Competition is planning to be held in ExCeL London, one of the main venues used for the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.