WorldSkills UK Proposes Skills Competitions for Young People

LONDON, Sept. 17, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- WorldSkills UK has proposed a new initiative aimed at equipping young people, particularly those not in employment, education, or training (NEETs), with the necessary skills to enter the workforce. The organization believes that introducing skills competitions directly into colleges and classrooms could provide a unique and effective way to bridge the skills gap.

According to Alan Milburn’s interim report, the 'Lost Generation' of over a million young people in the UK are at risk of being sidelined from the job market. WorldSkills UK’s proposal seeks to address this issue by introducing a series of regional skills competitions designed to engage young learners aged 11 to 16. These competitions will bring together education providers and employers to invest in the next generation and boost local economies.

The proposal is driven by new research conducted by Public First for WorldSkills UK, which indicates that 90% of employers consider work experience important for developing workplace skills, while 74% believe that skills competitions would be a crucial part of a comprehensive solution. The research also highlights that 61% of employers feel that schools do not adequately equip young people with the necessary skills, with this figure rising to 69% in Wales and 68% in Yorkshire & Humber.

Emma Roberts, External Affairs Director at WorldSkills UK, emphasized the need for innovative approaches to prepare young people for the workplace.

WorldSkills UK plans to design a project that will provide key stage 3 and 4 learners with the tools necessary to secure careers in a wide range of skills. The initiative will run in tandem with the introduction of regional skills competitions for 16-19-year-olds. An intensive period of consultation with educators, employers, and government officials is planned to ensure the project maximizes its potential and prepares young people for immediate workplace contributions.

The proposal comes on the heels of the world’s largest skills competition, WorldSkills, which will take place in Shanghai from September 22nd to 27th. The UK will be entering a team of 28 young people, competing against 80 countries in a diverse range of disciplines, including renewable energy, bricklaying, health and social care, 3D Games Design, and Robot Systems Integration.

WorldSkills is globally recognized as the ultimate benchmark of skills excellence, with the event expected to attract over 250,000 visitors, including government leaders, global employers, and education experts. The UK’s participation in this year’s WorldSkills event underscores the country’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce.

The research also reveals that employers are concerned about the preparedness of young people entering the workforce. Nearly half of employers, 46%, believe that young people are unprepared to enter the workplace. Over a third of employers, 34%, cite a need for additional training as a barrier to hiring young people, with the digital and technology sector being particularly affected.

Fixing this gap could provide a significant boost to the economy. According to the research, 70% of employers believe that recruits with the right skills could enhance their company’s revenue. This is particularly true for key industrial strategy sectors such as advanced manufacturing, construction, digital and technology, financial services, and creative industries.

WorldSkills UK’s proposal is part of a broader effort to address the skills gap and ensure that young people are better prepared for the demands of the modern workplace. By integrating skills competitions into the curriculum, the organization aims to provide young people with the experience and confidence needed to succeed in their careers.