WorldSkills calls for  volunteers

21 February 2011

The Olympic Games of the young working world will take place in London this year – and IOSH is calling for volunteers to manage health and safety throughout the event.

WorldSkills London 2011 takes place from 5-8 October at ExCel London, Docklands, with 1,000 young competitors from over 50 countries, competing in 46 skills from creative arts, to fashion, transportation, and logistics.

As the largest international skills showcase, organisers expect 150,000 visitors from UK schools and colleges throughout the competition, which includes opening and closing ceremonies on 4 and 9 October at The O2.

Fiona Russell, a member of IOSH’s London Metropolitan Branch and Health and Safety Manager for WorldSkills London 2011, is encouraging IOSH members to come forward as health and safety officers and co-ordinators, to help manage the safe build-up, competitions, and breakdown of the event.

She said: “Our volunteers will play a crucial role in making the capital the best WorldSkills host yet - an important legacy to leave behind in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

 “We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated volunteers to help us deliver an event that showcases world talent in vocational skills, while demonstrating the UK as a world class organiser of skills competitions.”

WorldSkills takes place every two years, but this is the first time in two decades that it’s been hosted in the UK.

Fiona added: “This is an exciting opportunity to expand your experience of a huge range of health and safety issues, while playing a crucial role during the six days. I need to find people with all levels of knowledge and experience that can be part of the team, to help ensure we keep both competitors and visitors safe and healthy throughout the competition.“

During WorldSkills London 2011, the health and safety team will be dealing with everything from control of contractors, to ensuring the safety of visitors who want to test their vocational skills at activities like welding and air craft maintenance.

 If you are interested in taking part, contact Fiona or visit the WorldSkills2011 volunteer web page.