WORLDSKILLS TO PROVE THAT NO MAN IS AN ISLAND
Groups of young people will search for solutions to the world’s environmental problems at this summer’s Environmental Science Challenge, being held 29 June – 2 July 2010 at Pembroke College.
Developed to be a WorldSkills 2011 competition, groups of students will be provided with detailed information about a mythical island, its geology, potential sources of energy, expected population growth, available finances and various other statistics. After three days of planning, each team will present a report outlining how they will meet the energy demands of this island, including a plan for CO2 reduction and energy security. Madge Moore, National Director for England, for Lantra, which supports environmental industries and is one of the sector skills councils involved in the development of the competition, said, “Environmental issues are more important than ever as the UK and the rest of the world fights to combat climate change. This challenge is all about managing limited resources and resolving land usage conflicts and so brings these issues to the forefront once again. The students must consider many factors to see how the island’s resources can provide sufficient energy, water supplies and food while protecting the environment. They must outline the energy resources used each year, the land-use conflicts encountered and the total carbon emissions and costs for each year.” Government, academic and business experts will assess the teams' ability to function effectively, think strategically and make sound judgements. The teams will be marked on time management, communication and their understanding of relevant environmental science principles. Madge concluded, “Young people interested in energy production, environmental protection and climate change will be able to pit their knowledge and skills against other teams to claim the winners’ title, but the real winner will be the future world, its people and species. I hope this competition encourages more bright young minds to seek out careers within these important areas of work.” To find out more about the competition and Lantra’s work in environmental conservation visit www.lantra.co.uk/businesses/environmental-conservation. – ENDS – Issued by: Lantra Press Office. For more information, please contact: Mhairi Aikman, Communications Co-ordinator, 02476 858 418 or email: media@lantra.co.uk NOTES TO EDITOR: The organisations supporting this new competition are: British Geological Survey, Lantra, Environment Agency, Prospect, Unionlearn, Cogent, Stemnet, Semta and Energy & Utility Skills. About Lantra • Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector, is licensed by the UK government to drive forward the new skills, training and business development agenda for the sector. • Lantra represents 17 industries and 1.5 million workers and volunteers in agricultural crops, agricultural livestock, animal care, animal technology, aquaculture, environmental conservation, equine, farriery, fencing, fisheries management, floristry, game and wildlife management, land-based engineering, landscape, production horticulture, trees and timber and veterinary nursing. For more information see www.lantra.co.uk About WorldSkills • WorldSkills International provides exchange and comparison of world-class competency standards in the industrial trades and service sectors of the global economy. The continued growth of WorldSkills International attests to the fact that traditional trade and craft skills, along with the newer technology multi-skilled vocations, make an essential contribution to the economic and social well being of people everywhere. • WorldSkills UK are quality assured skills competitions. Run annually these competitions aim to encourage people across the UK to excel in their vocational skill. • WorldSkills UK is supported by government, the Devolved Nations and a host of other partners across business, industry and the world of education and training.
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