Minister delighted at female skills revolution

There are encouraging signs that a gender breakthrough in skills is beginning to materialise at WorldSkills UK Live at the NEC, Birmingham, running until Saturday November 17th.

WorldSkills UK CEO Dr Neil Bentley said: “These are hugely encouraging signs – we hope that at long last – all the efforts are beginning to pay dividends from governments, industry and education. Tens of thousands of girls have headed to WorldSkills UK LIVE to see the myriad of opportunities open to them. This could be the start of something momentous.”

The news comes as 13 young women, aeronautical engineers, robotics specialists, millers and turners – have reached the national finals at WorldSkills UK LIVE – which is more than double the number of the previous record.

Minister for Skills and Apprenticeships Anne Milton MP, who attended the event yesterday said: “This is absolutely fantastic – what’s important to me is gender diversity and we are seeing a lot more girls wanting to take up a skilled occupation.”

The show comes towards the end of The Year of Engineering – during which encouraging women in to the industry – was one of its main tenets.

WorldSkills www.worldskillsuk.org