Big Businesses Declare Global Commitment to the UK's Skills

LONDON, April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With the greatest skills show on earth just six months away, organisers of WorldSkills London 2011 are delighted to announce that business heavyweights Honda, Siemens, Bentley and HSBC have signed up as event sponsors. They join industry leaders from Cisco to Crown Paints to pledge their commitment to skills (http://www.worldskillslondon2011.com/) and demonstrate the importance of investing in future talent.

WorldSkills London 2011 sponsors are championing skills ( http://www.worldskillslondon2011.com/) in sectors ranging from autobody repair to web design, and their support will have a direct impact on both competitors and the anticipated 150,000 visitors. By joining other leading companies on a world stage and helping create opportunities for young people to experience the important role skills ( http://www.worldskillslondon2011.com/) play in the UK economy, sponsoring WorldSkills London 2011 offers a leadership role in developing the next generation of skilled workers.

Skills Minister John Hayes said: "It's great news that by backing WorldSkills (http://www.worldskillslondon2011.com/), some of our best firms are helping us make the UK a beacon for technical and creative excellence."

As well as supporting the event either financially or through supplying equipment - Cisco for example will be supplying IT systems for use in the Competition - sponsors will also help address the problem posed by the five million working-age Britons with no skills-based qualifications. WorldSkills London 2011 (http://www.worldskillslondon2011.com/) will offer a fresh perspective on careers and leave a legacy of young people inspired by how skills shape our world.

Neil Fletcher, Head of the Honda Institute, commented:

"We're delighted to be involved with an event as big and exciting as WorldSkills London 2011. At a time when skills are more important than ever to our economy, business investment is vital to ensure that talented young people in the UK have the chance to realise their potential."

Aidan Jones, Executive Director of WorldSkills London 2011 (http://www.worldskillslondon2011.com/), added:

"We appreciate that these are tight times for all businesses, but demonstrating a global commitment to skills is vital. Therefore, we are absolutely thrilled with the response we have had in terms of sponsorship so far. We are confident that with the help of our sponsors and other supporters, we will be able to deliver an event the UK can be truly proud of."

Companies interested in sponsoring WorldSkills London 2011 are encouraged to visit http://www.worldskillslondon2011.com or email sponsor@worldskillslondon2011.com, or call +44(0)207-429-2829