The WorldSkills event is being held in London in October and carmakers Honda and Bentley are among its event sponsors.

WorldSkills London 2011 sponsors are championing the importance of skills 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.

Skills Minister John Hayes said: "With an extra £180m of investment in apprenticeships announced in last month’s budget, vocational skills are at the top of the Government’s agenda.

"We want them to be at the top of every employer’s agenda too – and we are reshaping the skills system to help businesses large and small meet their most pressing training needs.

It’s great news that by backing WorldSkills, some of our best firms are helping us make the UK a beacon for technical and creative excellence.”

Taking place every two years in a different host country, WorldSkills London 2011 commences on October 5, and will be the biggest event ever held at ExCeL London. The Competition will see 1,000 young people from across the world competing in a range of different skills for the honour of being crowned the best of the best in their specialist discipline. 

Neil Fletcher, Head of the Honda Institute, said: “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.”