50,000 UAE pupils sign up to visit world’s largest vocational skills competition

WorldSkills 2017 is being held in the Mena region for the first time this October, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

This will be the first time that the WorldSkills event has been held in the Middle East. Courtesy WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017

More than 50,000 school pupils from around the country have registered to attend WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, the world’s largest vocational skills competition.

Pupils of different age groups, but particularly those in grades 7 to 12, will watch as 1,300 participants from more than 70 countries take part in 51 skills challenges. The pupils will also have the opportunity to try trades skills competitions and visit the careers advice area to explore future opportunities in the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector.

“It’s a hugely positive sign that so many students from the UAE will be interacting with one of the most important events ever to be held in Abu Dhabi,” said spokesman Fahar Al Suwaidi. “With more than 50,000 students already registered, and many more to follow, it shows there is widespread interest in pursuing vocational, technological and service-oriented careers.

“We can promise all visitors plenty of intense competition between incredibly skilled young people from around the world.

“Seeing the huge variety of skills on display, such as mechatronics, landscape gardening, fashion technology and cooking, is a fantastic chance to be inspired and take the next step towards becoming a skilled professional of the future and contributing to the UAE’s economic diversification.”

Last week, organisers Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocation Training (ACTVET) marked the 100-day countdown until the beginning of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017 with an activation in Yas Mall, where a totem in the shape of the number ‘100’ was unveiled alongside two UAE participants who were showcasing their artwork and floristry skills.

Tuesday’s announcement on the high number of pupils registered for the event comes just ahead of the UN-established World Youth Skills Day on July 15.

More registrations after the summer break are expected, with a target of 80,000 student visitors during the event, which would make up 80 per cent of the overall 100,000 visitors expected.

The 44th edition of the biennial WorldSkills Competition, which is for the first time taking place in the Mena region, is expected to have a significant impact on the UAE’s education sector, ACTVET said.

The event partners with Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and will be held at Adnec in October under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.