An introduction to The Skills Competition CPD Programme for Independent Training Providers

Purpose and Vision of WorldSkills Competitions To raise the profile, quality and esteem of vocational education and training especially Apprenticeships: “ The WorldSkills experience allows a clear and seamless progression from the initial spark of vocational ambition to success on the international stage, where the talent and aspiration of the individual is nurtured and developed at all stages of the journey as part of a single system, and where skills competitions provide the public with vivid examples of vocational excellence. ”

What Competitions can do for ITP’s There’s amazing value for us in skills competitions. To do well is a big thing for us, it means we can promote to clients that we are a good trainer and a good employer. We take pride in who we employ and we’ll give every opportunity to those who want to take part.” Steve Bradshaw, SES “Since participating in SkillELECTRIC and winning gold in Canada, Richard has developed both technically and personally, bringing huge advantages to all those involved. Competitions like these encourage ambition and excellence and Richard’s success had proved that vocational training can help deliver that excellence. There’s a great sense of satisfaction for us all and we would not hesitate to offer opportunities to other young people to participate in vocational training and to strive for excellence.” Jim Muir, Eden Electrics

4 What is a Skills Competition? National Apprenticeship Service – A skills competition is a series of tests designed by industry experts that focus on the highest UK and International standards. – Each skills competition is designed to test competitors applied skills in a range of critical elements that demonstrate excellence in their chosen trade. – There is a strict judging process by experts, and competitors gain a score for each element against clear performance criteria. – The winner is the individual or team with the highest score. Heats are held around the UK, and the highest scorers in the country make it to the UK Finals at The Skills Show. – Skills Competitions are a useful tool to help improve and raise the standards of teaching and learning across VET.

WorldSkills UK competitions: National Key facts… 66 skills competitions covering five sectors 4600 registrations during heats across the UK during spring/summer National Finals will take place at The Skills Show 2015 The stats… 95% rate the experience of competing ad good or very good 97% would recommend taking part in competitions to others 77% think it has improved their employment prospects. 80% say that entering competitions has made them better at what they do

The competition journey WorldSkills UK comprises pre-vocational, national and international skills competition activities for both young people and adults. WSUK is managed by Find a Future together with our partners in industry and education, and is supported by government, the Devolved Nations and the business community.

7 WSUK National Schedule 2015 Providers & employers Coaching Manual: Mentoring and Coaching WSUK CPT: Pre-competition WSUK CPT: Heats WSUK CPT: UK Finals WSUK CPT: Lesson plans Inspiring excellence (LSIS Guide) Competitors WSUK Resources WSUK Competitor Self Promotion Toolkit

The WSUK Competition cycle August 2015

UK Team Ranking (Medal Points & Average Score) th 16th 15th 14th 13th 12th 11th 10th 9th 8th 7th 6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 18th St Gallen CanadaFinlandJapanUK UK Team WorldSkills Ranking Year Switzerland Germany Brazil

Further Reading ResourceSummary Inspiring excellence (LSIS Guide) A guide to embedding skills competition activities. The Inspiring Excellence guide draws on expertise from senior managers, staff and learners in colleges and work-based learning (WBL) providers across a range of regions, sizes and types where skills competition activity features strongly. It also shows how skills competition work can benefit apprentices, including those in small businesses. Competitor Preparation Toolkits (CPT) The WorldSkills UK CPTs are a set of self-directed learning modules available online to support competitors with hints and tips, help with planning for competing, and even relaxation techniques at each stage of their competition journey; pre-selection, heats and UK finals. Lesson Plans The WorldSkills UK Lesson Plans are designed to help you guide and support individuals and groups of learners as they prepare to participate in competition activities. There are 10 lessons that cover the key themes and techniques outlined in the Competitors Preparation Toolkit. WSUK Coaching Manual The WorldSkills UK Coaching manual is intended to induct organisations into the benefits and value in preparing and planning their participation in National Competitions. Schools Toolkit The Schools toolkit is a resource for schools to embed competition activities into pre-vocational teaching and learning for learners at key stages 3 and 4. The toolkit outlines the basic elements of developing competition related activities into curriculum planning and delivery. WSUK Masterclasses, delivered by IFL IfL's vocational masterclass programme offers great benefits to the sector. Organisations that have taken part in WorldSkills competitions have demonstrated the positive impact they can make on teaching, training and learning. This also provides evidence of improved student retention, staff motivation and higher inspection grades. National Skills Competition CPD Programme Commissioned by the Education and Training Foundation to deliver a major sector-wide continuing professional development programme (CPD) for vocational teachers, trainers and leaders across England. The CPD programme builds on the research and outputs from the WorldSkills Legacy projects and the Commission for Adult Vocational Teaching and Learning (CAVTL) It's About Work report recommendations (PDF,2.4 MB)CPDIt's About Work report recommendations (PDF,2.4 MB)

How to get involved Enter competitors Be a host Sponsor a competition Nominate someone to be a judge Spread the word

National Skills Competition CPD Programme : free support for ITP’s AoC working in strategic partnership with AELP and Find a Future, Regional events and networks for providers CPD menu, training and resources Feedback from providers How to get involved in future

Activity/Discussion What are the challenges and barriers for ITPs? What are the benefits for: providers, staff, learners VET system? What practical support do you and your provider need to get involved?