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EuroSkills 2014 took place in Lille, France from October 2nd to October 4th. The largest vocational competition in Europe was visited bij 90.000 enthusiastic supporters. The crowd consisted of policy makers, government representatives, educational organisations, representatives of partners as well as representatives of the business sector. Exactly 40 competitions were held amongst 25 European countries.

EuroSkills 2014 Medals for all Skills

EuroSkills 2014 Medal ranking per country

From October 2-4, EuroSkills 2014, the largest European skills competition took place in Lille Grand de Palais, France. 450 young skilled workers, from 25 countries, competed over 3 days in 41 skills for the title best of Europe. EuroSkills Lille 2014 was hosted by WorldSkills France a member of WorldSkills Europe and Regional Nord­‐Pas de Calais.

The final results of EuroSkills Lille 2014 were made official during a spectacular Closing Ceremony at the Zenith Arena. Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, were awarded in all skill categories, as well as a ‘Best of Nation’ from every participating country. A special award was given to the Competitor with the overall best result, making him the ‘Best of Europe’. This award was given to Oliver Anibas from Austria competing in Industrial Control. Out of the 25 nations that competed Austria also came in 1st, followed by France and Finland. The ceremony culminated with a tradition where the host country, France handed over the EuroSkills flag to the next host EuroSkills Gothenburg 2016.

During the ceremony both the French Minister Patrick Kanner of Urban Planning, Youth and Sports, Regional President Daniel Percheron, WorldSkills France President Michel Guisembert, and WorldSkills Europe President Jos de Goey addressed the audience: competitors, experts, team leaders, their families, friends, volunteers and officials from the many European countries. WorldSkills Europe President, Jos de Goey spoke directly to the competitors: “Remember by being here, you are among the very best skilled European professionals who are vital for our economies, and no one can take that away from you!” In a competitive and constantly changing world, skills competitions motivates and inspires future generations to ensure that they understand that skills can provide personal and professional fulfillment.

EuroSkills 2014 wasn’t only about competing for the nearly 90.000 visitors it was about discovering and trying trades, getting information about training programs and meeting tomorrow’s highly qualified young European professionals. It was also the place where a lot of European leaders of industry, education and training came together at different organized seminars, conferences and meetings.

90.000 visitors have walked through the doors of Lille Grand Palais during the last three days. The largest ever visitor count at a EuroSkills Competition! The Competitors have reached the final destination of the Competition.

Anxious supporters were at the side of each skill area watching the Competitors busily working to stay on schedule and keep their focus, using their very last energy and focus to complete their task. Large cameras were waiting to capture the final stroke of the pensel at painting and decorating, the last detail in the flower bouquet in floristry and the needle being pushed through a laced sleeve at the Fashion Design competition.

EuroSkills 2014 has received a great deal of media attention, with lots of mentioning both locally and internationally. We hope that their work will bring more awareness and recognition to the importance of skills across the world.

Next up, the Closing Ceremony taking place at Zénith Arena, next to Lille Grand Palais tomorrow at 6.30pm. The Ceremony will be followed by a farewell party for everyone involved in the event.

Watch this space for the results!

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Today was a day filled with fun activities, halls filled with school children and the general public passing through, sometimes stopping if something caught their eye and interest. Everywhere you looked, Competitors were working on their assignments.

Wall and Floor Tiling Competitor creating the Eiffel Tower on a sunny day.

A hand model being spoiled with a manicure at the Beauty Therapy competition.

We were fortunate to have some special guests visiting the competition site today. French Minister of Education, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, Hungarian Minister of State Dr. Sandor Czomba and Swiss Deputy Director State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Mr. Josef Widmer. All showing their support for European vocational training.

We cannot wait to see what tomorrow will bring!

See more images on: https://www.flickr.com/photos/worldskillsfrance

For the 4^th time the EuroSkills Competition welcomed delegations from all over Europe. It was an Opening Ceremony to fit the name of its location at Lille Grand Palais, France.

The excitement could not be missed as the Competitors waited anxiously to be announced, in alphabetical order by country, in front of the more than 2.500 people that had turned up to participate in this evening of cultural exchange and national pride.

Mr. Christophe Pilch (Vice President of Apprenticeship, regional Council)and Laurent Hottiaux (Secretary General for regional affairs) were the first speakers to address the audience followed by a parade of 25 nations, counting 450 Competitors, being cheered on by their fellow countrymen and skills supporters. As per tradition, the host nation, France, walked on stage the last.

Eurocommissioner Mr. Laslo Andor presented the Europass for all EuroSkills competitors which is an European recognized certificate to document their international experience. A real asset for a young professionals career.

President of WorldSkills France Mr. Michel Guisembert made heartfelt speech. Followed by a very proud WorldSkills Europe President, Jos de Goey spoke directly to the Competitors “Let this be an experience of a lifetime, because you will not get a second chance to compete in EuroSkills. Use this in your further career to be an inspirational, proud craftsman to others, starting here in Lille.” encouraging them all to showcase their very best skills over the days to come.

Another tradition during the Opening Ceremony is reciting the EuroSkills Oath, which was taken by Morganne Borowczyk, a Competitor in Web Design from France and Jan Börstell an Expert in Automobile Technology from Sweden, the next host of EuroSkills in 2016. The Oath, which was sworn on the EuroSkills flag on behalf of their fellow Competitors and Experts, symbolizes the promise to compete and officiate fairly throughout the Competition.

The EuroSkills 2014 organising team, did a great job of delivering an Opening Ceremony worth remembering for many years to come.

Good luck to the Competitors and Experts as they venture into 3 intense days of competition ahead.

Excitement among the competitors just before the Ceremony

Models posing hairstyles made by past competitor Caroline Schmitt

The first day of a competition is always a bit tense, even for someone who has done it many times. Your mind is filled with thoughts both of worry, excitement and a wish to do your very best.

Couple that with around 30.000 local students, their teachers and international visitors watching your every move, and you will have just a small idea of the atmosphere here at Lille Grand Palais today.

The many visitors had a great opportunity to gain a greater understanding of what young skilled people are capable of and even take a closer look at their own abilities.

Try-a-skill at the EuroSkills Village

Try-a-skill allows visitors to try their hand at various skill areas. The displays are entertaining, informative and offer access to some of the very basic skills involved within a range of fields.

Located in Lille Grand Palais in the EuroSkills Village, it is an essential part of showcasing the skills represented at the competition.

Thank you to everyone who took part in today’s events, we hope to see many of you back tomorrow!