Employment and Learning Minister Danny Kennedy has urged everyone to 'have a go' at a new skill as part of the countdown to WorldSkills 2011.

WorldSkills is the largest international skills competition where young people from across the globe compete to become the best of the best in their chosen skill.

One hundred and fifty thousand visitors are expected to watch 1,000 competitors from 50 nations competing in 45 skill areas over four exciting days of competition. In October this year, the UK will play host to WorldSkills for the first time in 20 years.

As part of the official countdown to the WorldSkills London 2011 Competition, its organisers are encouraging people across the UK to try a new skill, trade or profession. Anyone from a local college, training provider, community group, or business can organise an event where they invite people to come along and experience a bite-size taster of a new skill, from hairdressing to car maintenance.

Minister Kennedy gave his support to the initiative when he brushed up on his cookery skills whilst 'having a go' at making an omelette at South Eastern Regional College.

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He said: "The standard of our education and training system in professional and technical areas is world class and it is important that we promote the opportunities which skills training can bring both for the individual and the economy.

"I want to encourage as many organisations as possible to hold an event that will give people of all ages the opportunity to have a go at a new skill and inspire them to find out more about skills training and careers, and the rewards which can be attained."

Fourteen young men from Northern Ireland have been selected to the UK Squad for WorldSkills London 2011, in such diverse skills areas as bricklaying, carpentry, cooking, car painting, refrigeration and air conditioning, wall and floor tiling and mechatronics. They are now undergoing intensive training ahead of selection events for the Team that will represent the UK in London in October.

The Minister continued: "Northern Ireland has the highest representation of any region in Squad UK where some of our most talented young people will compete for a place on Team UK.

"This is testament indeed to the high standards of vocational training in our colleges and the commitment to excellence shown by our young people. The talents which they will display at WorldSkills will not only bring the prospect of individual and team success in this prestigious competition, but also ensure that the quality of Northern Ireland's workforce of the future is able to meet the economic challenges which lie ahead."

Organisations interested in organising WorldSkills London 2011 'Have a Go' activities are encouraged to download a range of free materials to help them to plan, organise and run activities in their local area by visiting the WorldSkills London 2011 www.worldskillslondon2011.com/haveago