Springboard UK seeks for industry support for World Skills London 2011

Anne Pierce, Springboard's chief executive, says the aim is to create the most exciting, the most inspiring and most visited interactive 'have a go' exhibition at the event. "World Skills London 2011 is the greatest opportunity the hospitality industry will ever have to showcase the huge variety of jobs and careers that it can offer young people in one go." She urges employers, colleges and other industry bodies to put their full weight behind it the event, which is in conjunction with the British Hospitality Association, the Institute of Hospitality and People 1st. She added: "Put simply, this event is to skills what the 2012 Olympics is to sport. It will see young people from across the globe competing in a multitude of different industries to become the best in their chosen skill area." Alongside the competition area for hospitality, Springboard is organising a 150 sq m stand space which will provide a wide range of opportunities for young people to 'have a go' and try their hand at a number of different hospitality skill areas from bed making to 'mocktails' or omelette challenges to check-in 'trials' alongside quizzes, competitions and speaker sessions. "The event will attract over 150,000 visitors, the majority aged between 14-19. With such a concentration of potential recruits, it's vital that hospitality is able to show it's an industry of critical importance to the nation and one which offers a huge range of career opportunities." Pierce adds that for the event to be a success, she needs strong backing fro industry professionals. She explained: "There are three levels of support – Silver (£1,000), Gold (£3,000) and Platinum (£5,000) – for small, medium and larger businesses respectively. "Sponsors will receive coverage on the stand appropriate to their level of support but all will be highlighted as among the best employers in the industry. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to promote hospitality as a career for the 21st century and do some first class talent spotting." Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, said: "We have the chance to influence a whole generation of young people. We must grab this unique opportunity and put the industry's weight behind it." Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1st, said that skills and staff shortages were still a major problem for the industry: "We have to recruit more and more young people into the industry not only to keep pace with retirements but to be able to service the many new hotels and restaurants opening up. This event is an opportunity to promote the industry which cannot be missed – we cannot let it go by default." Details of the World Skills London 2011 and of the sponsorship packages available can be found from Anne Pierce at Springboard UK (020 7395 9491) – annep@springboarduk.org.uk – and are published on the Springboard website www.­springboarduk.­org.­uk