Health and safety volunteers lent their professional expertise to a leading vocational training event held in London recently.
The capital’s ExCel centre was the venue for WorldSkills London 2011, where 15 IOSH members had their own skills put to the test in a wide range of skills competitions in the fields of automotive technology, aircraft maintenance, catering, landscape gardening and beauty therapy.
Fiona Russell, health and safety manager for the event, said: “WorldSkills has been truly inspiring for everyone involved and it has been fascinating to see the differences in the health and safety cultures from the 51 countries taking part, as well as having the chance to share some of our own best practice and expertise.
“Ensuring visitor safety has been equally important, especially when you consider that many of the 200,000 people visiting WorldSkills took part in the numerous ‘Have a Go’ experiences throughout the event.”
Ian Brook, director of tools innovator and manufacturer Snap-on, which was a Gold sponsor at the event, added: “WorldSkills fits perfectly with our own Excellence in Education programme, which supports vocational training establishments throughout the UK with the best tools and workshop equipment, and promotes tool safety.
“I believe that WorldSkills has provided our young people with an unrivalled opportunity to gain inspiration and insight into the vast range of worthwhile skill-based careers available today.”
Pictured are Fiona Russell (centre) with H&S volunteers Keith Rhodes(Drury PSM), Zachary Butler-Smith (Viridian Housing), Natasha Scoggins (East Thames Group) and Matthew Stringer (Skills Funding Agency)
