WorldSkills UK, the charity charged with generating advanced skills to help rebuild the economy, is relaunching its internationally renowned competition-based development programme to help students and apprentices in Northumberland develop the high-quality skills employers need to combat the economic impact of Covid-19.

Run in over 60 different skills ranging from digital, engineering and construction through to health, lifestyle and hospitality, the WorldSkills UK Competitions are free to enter.

Dee Aylett-Smith, Head of National Competitions and Careers, WorldSkills UK said: “We know that young people have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic and that is why we have relaunched our competitions-based development programme to support more young people develop the high-quality skills employers are looking for.

“By celebrating the talent, we have in Northumberland and right across the UK, we want to recognise the importance and value of skilled work and encourage more young people to choose high-quality vocational education and apprenticeships as routes to success in work and life.”

The WorldSkills UK competition-based development programmes are designed by industry experts and enhance the practical skills and knowledge taught on training courses by assessing an individual’s employability attributes against set criteria in a competitive timed environment. The programme has a real impact on those taking part, with 90% of previous entrants saying their career progression improved after competing and 86% stating their personal and employability skills improved.