Global workwear brand Dickies is sponsoring this year’s SkillELECTRIC, SkillPLUMB, SkillBuild and APL Landscaping competitions, as part of its ongoing efforts to support and champion the next generation of tradespeople.
Dickies’ sponsorship will include clothing and safety footwear for all SkillELECTRIC, SkillPLUMB, SkillBuild and APL Landscaping national final contestants, plus t-shirts for competitors at the regional qualifier stage – in which more than 1,000 students compete.
Dickies will also provide clothing and footwear for judges and delivery teams at the national finals for each competition, which will take place at WorldSkills UK LIVE 2019, the UK’s largest skills, apprenticeships and careers event.
“We’re keen to help show the next generation that a job in the trades can be a great career and these competitions are an ideal way to do that,” said James Whitaker, marketing director, Dickies Workwear.
“Supporting the contestants at the SkillBuild UK National Final was a real highlight for Dickies in 2018 and the passion and enthusiasm they had for their trades was inspiring to see. We’re excited to be extending our partnership with SkillBuild by supporting the competitions at both a regional and national level, plus forming new partnerships with SkillELECTRIC, SkillPLUMB and APL Landscaping.
“Having the right workwear for the job can play a big role in helping trainee tradespeople prepare for a successful career – both in terms of comfort, practicality and safety as well as creating a professional image. We wish all contestants taking part in this year’s competitions the best of luck and hope the workwear we’re providing gives them the support they need to do well in these contests and in their future careers.”
Jennie Phung, project manager at National Electrotechnical Training, added: “Thanks to Dickies, our competitors and judges will truly look the part as they concentrate on the important task in hand. With the SkillELECTRIC team in common uniform at the national finals, we can really fly the flag for our industry not only via the skills on show, but also how we present ourselves. We are very grateful to Dickies and look forward to working in partnership with them.”
The agreement follows Dickies’ sponsorship of the SkillBuild UK National Final 2018, where the company provided contestants with workwear, including trousers, safety footwear and branded t-shirts. Contestants also received a hoodie, discount voucher and backpack for taking part, plus winners in all categories were handed a £50 Dickies voucher.
WorldSkills UK LIVE 2019 takes place from 21-23 November at The NEC, Birmingham.