The event also hosted the finals of this year's World Skills UK competitions, including the environmental science competition sponsored by Prospect and supported by the British Geological Survey.

The three-day event, now in its fourth year, is famous for its hands-on and interactive activities, which are designed to appeal to a younger audience.

More than 670 finalists took part in 58 different World Skills UK competitions.

Environmental science competitors were asked to develop a long-term energy strategy to guide a fictional nation through the transition to clean energy technologies while upgrading infrastructure to deliver reliable energy to rural communities.

The winners were Ellesse Cheale and Sarah Allen from Mid-Kent College.

Ellesse & Sarah with Prospect NEC member and competition judge, Nigel Titchen

Other finalists in this year’s competition included teams from North Nottinghamshire College and East Norfolk Sixth Form College

Prospect’s deputy general secretary, Sue Ferns said: “Prospect’s contribution provides opportunities to reach out to the next generation of scientists and engineers and make them aware of the wide-ranging support provided by unions."

Dr Neil Bentley, chief executive of Find a Future, which oversaw the event said: “The opportunity to see competitors in action in the WorldSkills UK competition finals is a vital part of the Skills Show. They are the link between the skills which visitors try for the first time at the event, education and training opportunities, employers and achieving success”.

Dr Bentley went on to say that “watching their peers in action is incredibly motivating for young visitors, while the involvement of our Skills Champions – former competitors on the world stage – at this year’s event provided our audience with the chance to discover first-hand what it is like to succeed at the very highest level.”

 

 Visitors enjoying the "Have a Go" activities on the Prospect stand

The date and venue have been set for 2016: the skills show will return to the Birmingham NEC from 17-29 November. Organisations can register their interest now.