The critical importance of having a skilled workforce to maintain a
competitive edge in the global telecommunication marketplace is being underlined
by Fujikura Europe as we once again support WorldSkills, taking place 2-7 July at
the Leipzig Trade Fair and Exhibition Centre in Germany.

WorldSkills is a unique global competition where young people from across the
world compete to become the best of the best. At stake is the honour of being
the greatest in the world at their chosen skill. During the competition in Leipzig
more than 150,000 visitors will attend over the four days and 1,000 14 - 19
year-old competitors from over 50 different member countries will go
head-to-head to claim victory in 45 different skills.

As one of the world's leading manufacturers of fibre optic cables and equipment, we are
sponsoring the Information Network Cabling category of WorldSkills Leipzig 2013
which is the largest international skills competition.

As part of the wider conference we are providing 14 of the latest Fusion
Splicers available for the young contestants and visitors of the show to
try.  The FSM-70S Fusion Splicer is the world's lightest, fastest and most
compact splicer of its class. It can process all the following fibres, SM (ITU-T
G652), MM (ITU-T G651) DS (ITU-T G653) NZDS (ITU-T G655) AND OTHER Single Mode
Fibres including ITU-T G657.

Neil Bessant, Director of the Fusion Splicer Division said, "It is of
great importance to us that we encourage young people to learn hand based skills
to the highest possible level. An Olympics style contest like WorldSkills encourages
the best possible expertise and mirrors the spirit and culture at Fujikura to
produce the best possible quality products and workmanship." 

Contestants will be competing by country. South Korea has topped the medal
table for the past three competitions and came second in 2005. Japan, Brazil,
Switzerland and the UK also rank consistently highly.

David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 added, "The 'value in
kind' sponsorship from Official Suppliers such as Fujikura Europe Ltd
is essential in making this event a success. As well as seeing the
best young talent in the world battle it out for the gold, silver and bronze
medals, visitors can 'Have a Go' at the skills on offer, from mobile robotics
to carpentry, graphic design to stonemasonry. Don't miss out - come and be part
of it!"

For further information about WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 visit www.worldskills.org