Strabane Ulster Unionist Councillor, Derek Hussey, has joined his Party Leader, Sir Reg Empey, Minister of Employment and Learning, in calling on all skilled young people in Northern Ireland to sign up for this season’s WorldSkills UK competitions.
 
The Derg Area Ulster Unionist Councillor said "The competitions, which annually attract up to 4,000 skilled participants, are designed to identify the best skilled people from within up to 70 different skill categories.
 
"Whilst last year Northern Ireland had a bronze winner in joinery - Trevor Woods from Fermanagh - a wide range of other categories are available, including hairdressing, landscape gardening, autobody repair, painting and decorating - the list goes on!
 
"We have a great number of skilled young people throughout our community and I commend Sir Reg on encouraging them to get involved and show countries across the globe just how talented Northern Ireland’s young workforce is.  I would further urge local employers to bring this to the attention of their employees and encourage their young workers to enter.  Let’s show our talent to the world, be proud of that ability and what can be achieved.
 
Councillor Derek Hussey concluded by adding "What’s great about WorldSkills UK competitions is that they play a key part in lifting standards of training and performance whilst promoting world class skills.  Now, more than ever, skilled industries are crucial to the future of our economy.  No matter what your area of skill may be check it out at www.worldskillsuk.org where you can enter online - entries need to be in by Friday, 19th March 2010."