At WorldSkills London 2011, a competition designed for people aged between 17-22 to show off their prowess in a variety of trade skills, the Vietnamese team will compete in 12 professions ranging from bricklaying and cooking to web and graphic design.

According to Duong Duc Lan, Deputy Head of the General Department of Vocational Training under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), with experience from skills competitions in Japan in 2007 and in Canada in 2009, the Vietnamese team is expected to win medals at the event, especially in the fields of strength like fashion, graphic design and information network cable installation.

At the two previous events, Vietnam won six certificates for excellent skills, but has yet earned a medal.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said that the competition honours the vocational training and technical sector and all competitors will contribute to building a better future.

A representative of the organising board emphasised that the success of British enterprises depends on a highly skilled workforce.

The competition is held in a member country every two years to demonstrate youth excellence in skilled professions.

WorldSkills London 2011 will last until November 8 and is expected to attract about 150,000 visitors.