A world of work opportunities

GLA Apprentice Harry Hazell went to this week's World Skills London 2011 at the ExCeL Centre - here's what he thought:

I started at the GLA in summer 2010, as a web apprentice in the Children and Young People’s Unit. With just three months of my apprenticeship left, I jumped at the chance to visit World Skills London, which I’ve been told is the biggest skills fair on the planet!

I knew I was in for a good day when the smells of the cooking skills competition started wafting through the queue… 
Once inside, I had the chance to ‘Have a Go’ at loads of different skills from making my own badges to bricklaying, confectionary making, garden landscaping, website design, floristry and plumbing.

I even got to pet a Boa Constrictor while watching people showcase their bodypopping skills in front of large audience!
There was a real buzz around the centre and experts on hand to tell you whatever you wanted to know about a particular skill, and how to get involved including job opportunities and career paths.  

It doesn’t matter what people say there are a lot of older people that want younger people to get into a trade to keep it going, actually.

Lots of big employers are there, and colleges and universities too. There’s a lot of material you can take away with you like prospectuses and stuff. 

I really enjoyed my visit and am thinking of going back on Saturday for a longer look as there is a lot to take in on a single day. I’d recommend any young person thinking about their future to come along too.