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  • New dates for EuroSkills Graz

    New dates for EuroSkills Graz

     

    EuroSkills Graz 2020 has been postponed to January 2021

     

    In light of restrictions now in place in response to coronavirus (COVID–19), WorldSkills Europe and the EuroSkills Graz 2020 Organising Committee have made the decision to postpone EuroSkills Graz 2020 to January 2021.

    The WorldSkills Europe Board of Directors and the EuroSkills Graz 2020 Organising Committee have agreed that the event will now take place from 6 to 10 January 2021.

    These decisions were taken based on the following considerations:

    1. To safeguard the health of all involved and to contribute to the containment of COVID-19.
    2. To safeguard the interests of the competitors, training teams, experts, delegates, and of the WorldSkills Europe movement.
    3. The availability of the Competition venue (Messe Congress Graz) and taking into consideration the WorldSkills Europe and WorldSkills International calendars.

    The new dates for EuroSkills give the health authorities, the Austrian Federal Ministry, the Government of the Province of Styria, the City of Graz, and all involved in the organisation of the event the maximum time to deal with the constantly changing landscape and the disruption caused by the COVID–19 pandemic.

    The existing age eligibility requirements for competitors at EuroSkills Graz 2020 will not be affected by the postponement of the event to January 2021.

    We understand that the decision to postpone EuroSkills Graz 2020 will be disappointing for some, but the safety and wellbeing of all involved is paramount. We also know that this decision is in the best interests of everyone involved in the event and we appreciate the understanding and support of our generous WorldSkills Europe community at this time.

    We encourage everyone to follow guidelines set out by their national governments to maintain health and wellbeing, and we look forward to the rescheduled EuroSkills event in Graz in January 2021.

    For more information about the event, visit the EuroSkills Graz 2020 website.

  • WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2021 in Krakow

    WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2021 in Krakow

    Poland has been chosen to host the WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2021

    Poland became the 28th country to join WorldSkills Europe in 2017 and the 80th country to join WorldSkills International in 2018 following successful applications by Poland’s Foundation For The Development Of The Education System (FRSE).

    Although officially only a WorldSkills Europe member country since 2017, Poland has a much longer connection with vocational skills, with the FRSE recently celebrating its 25th anniversary. Under a different organisation, Poland also competed at EuroSkills Rotterdam 2008 and returned again under the direction of FRSE for EuroSkills Budapest 2018, with the team entering eight skills. At EuroSkills Budapest 2018, Poland achieved a Medallion for Excellence in Cooking and a year later, at WorldSkills Kazan 2019, they won a silver medal in this skill. A lot of work was undertaken between Budapest and Kazan which had a significant impact for young people and the promotion of WorldSkills values in Poland.

    “Hosting the WorldSkills Europe General Assembly is a great opportunity to showcase the excellence and innovation in the area of technical and vocational education in Poland, and to exchange experiences and best practice with other WorldSkills Europe members,” said Izabela Laskowska, Technical Delegate, Director of the VET and Adult Education Office at the FRSE, which also implements the Erasmus+ programme in Poland.

    The WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2021 will take place in the city of Krakow in June 2021.

  • In memoriam – Jos de Goey 11 May 1963 – 21 February 2020

    In memoriam – Jos de Goey 11 May 1963 – 21 February 2020

    On Friday, 21 February the President and Chair of WorldSkills International, Jos de Goey, suddenly passed away at the age of 56. We are all deeply shocked and are lost for words. His contribution to the development and promotion of skills and skills excellence in the Netherlands, Europe, and the across the world was huge.
     
    The loss of Jos at such a young age is devastating for his family, friends, and all of us at WorldSkills. We are particularly saddened that he had such a short time as the President of our movement. Our thoughts are with his wife Anouschka, and their children Charlotte and Torsten.
     
    Jos was also the CEO of WorldSkills Netherlands – the team and country have lost a charismatic, passionate, and highly committed CEO. Jos de Goey was instrumental in the creation of WorldSkills Netherlands and put skills competitions on the map in the country.
     
    His vision was defined by his ambition to give young people a chance to hone their skills and develop their talents. He continued this cause in Europe, through the establishment of WorldSkills Europe and the EuroSkills Competition. Jos became a Board member of WorldSkills International in 2010, and became President and Chair when he was elected (in August last year).
     
    In Jos’ memory the Dutch national competition, Skills The Finals, will take place in Leeuwarden as planned from 4 – 6 March. Jos would have wanted it that way.

    You can express your condolences in the book of condolences. The funeral of Jos de Goey will take place on Saturday 29 February at 16:00 at Crematorium Ockenburgh in The Hague, the Netherlands.
     
    Jos will be dearly missed by us all but we are committed to continue his work and to fulfil his ambitions.

    On behalf of the Board and Secretariat of WorldSkills International
    David Hoey, CEO

  • EuroSkills Graz 2020: 16-20 September 2020

    EuroSkills Graz 2020: 16-20 September 2020

    The 7th biennial EuroSkills event will be hosted by Austria in the historic city of Graz.

    Taking place from 16 – 20 September 2020, the event is set to be the biggest and best EuroSkills yet.

    Around 600 young people from 30 countries across Europe will come together to compete for medals in 45–50 skills and professions across a wide range of industries – covering everything from joinery to floristry; web development to bakery; and autobody repair to mobile robotics.

    Competitors will be accompanied by up to 500 training experts, and the event is expected to attract around 100,000 visitors – including businesses, vocational education and training organisations, school children, teachers, parents, and members of the public.

    Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the exceptional talent of the best of the best in Europe who will be competing at the highest level in their chosen skill. There will also be opportunities to try hands-on job-related skills across a huge range of careers at the many ‘Try a Trade’ activities that will feature at the event.

    For more information visit the EuroSkills Graz 2020 website.

  • WorldSkills Europe General Assembly – Riga

    WorldSkills Europe General Assembly – Riga

    This year’s annual WorldSkills Europe General Assembly saw delegates convene in Riga, Latvia from 5 – 8 June 2019. Thirty member countries attended the GA which focused on preparations for EuroSkills Graz 2020 and plans for future Competitions.

    The event began with an Opening Plenary featuring a panel of distinguished speakers. After a formal opening speech by the President of WSE, Ms Dita Traidas, Latvia’s Minister of Education and Science, Ms Ilga Suplinska, welcomed delegates before handing over to the President of WSI, Mr Simon Bartley, who was followed by Latvia’s Deputy Head of Analytical Administration at the Ministry of Economics, Mr Janis Salmins, and finally by Member of European Parliament and France’s former Minister of Finance, Mr Jean Arthuis. 

    Four meetings took place at the GA: MarCom, Strategy Committee, Competition Committee, and the GA itself.

    Main announcements at the GA:

    • Two new members of WSE, Liechtenstein and Romania, were officially welcomed.
    • A change to the Constitution to clarify WSE membership criteria ­­­– from now on, only member states that are also members of the Council of Europe can become members: WorldSkills Europe Members are bodies representing a Vocational Education and Training system in a State’s commerce, services, and industry, and recognised as such by the Organisation. Only an organisation from a State belonging to Europe, according to the Council of Europe Member states list, may become Members of the Association.
    • A discussion on the future direction of WorldSkills Europe as well as its relationship with WorldSkills International.
    • The timeline for bids to host EuroSkills 2024; Denmark and The Netherlands expressed interest in being hosts.
    • France presented its bid to host WorldSkills in the French city of Lyon in 2023. France is the only European country bidding to host the Competition; the other country is Japan.

    Representatives of the Organising Committee of EuroSkills Graz 2020 participated in all meetings, providing reports on progress relating to the organisation of the Competition.

    View all photos from the General Assembly on Flickr

    WSEGA_1.webp

  • Message by Marianne Thyssen on the occasion of the VET week 2019

    Message by Marianne Thyssen on the occasion of the VET week 2019

    The fourth edition of theEuropean Vocational Skills Week, as announced by the Commissioner Ms.Marianne Thyssen, will take place from 14-18 October 2019 in Helsinki (Finland).

    Please find the announcement from Ms. Thyssen below:

  • WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2019

    Our next WorldSkills Europe General Assembly will take place in Riga from June 5-8.

    Organised with the support of the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science, the assembly will be hosted by the national State Education Development Agency – which is also home to Skills Latvia – and will be attended by WSE partners and stakeholders.

    The primary focus of the assembly will be to discuss next year’s EuroSkills competition, which is being held in Graz, Austria. Other sessions will include a look at our ongoing marcom strategy, and the GA will also allow pave the way for the of launch of our updated WSE brand book, which will be provided to members.

    In between meetings, delegates will be invited to take advantage of their surroundings and get to know the city. Activities will include a tour of the Riga Motor Museum and a visit to Aldaris Beer Museum – which, as the country’s first museum of its kind, is something we certainly think is worth a toast. For those with a more adventurous side, a visit to the town Sigulda will offer up the chance to take flight in a vertical wind tunnel, or engage in an energetic bobsleigh sled down a bobsleigh and luge track.

  • Board of Directors Newsletters #2

    Board of Directors Newsletters #2

    The Board Meeting held during the Competition Preparation Meeting (CPM) for EuroSkills 2018 was mostly focused on the upcoming EuroSkills competition.

    The report given concerning preparation for EuroSkills 2018 confirmed 33 skills to be showcased at the event, two of which were proposed as demonstration skills. There will also be seven sponsorship packages on offer with 90-100 media partners expected to sign up. The board also discussed the nationwide campaign strategy leading up to the event, which begins on September 26.

    The review of the evaluation report regarding the application of WorldSkills Russia to host EuroSkills 2022 as well as the validation visit was carried out. As the outcome of both the review and the visit were positive, the Board was happy to put the proposal up for a vote at the General Assembly.

    Discussion were conducted with Joao Santos, European Commission’s DG for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion, regarding financial support for future national and global competitions.

    Collaborative efforts between WorldSkills Europe and WorldSkills International were also discussed with David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills.

    Further discussion were held around the needs for services around marketing and communication, as well as administration and finances.

    Possible bids from Europe for hosting the 2023 WorldSkills Competition were also an item for discussion and will be discussed further on Europe hosting the international competition in the future.

    A meeting was also held with the Audit Committee to discuss 2017 finances and look at financial strategy leading up to 2020.
    A decision was made for WSE to look further into supporting Members’ use of European funding, particularly Erasmus+, for organisational and strategic activities relating to participation in and development of local and global skills competitions. It was also decided that WorldSkills Europe shall work closely with WorldSkills International in order to improve its practices and activities and enhance its overall image.

    The Board also welcomed Laurence Gates, who was recently contracted to provide General Manager services to WorldSkills Europe.

  • WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2018

    7 March 2018, WorldSkills Europe held its General Assembly, during the Competition Preparation Meetings in Budapest, Hungary. During the General Assembly, the hosting right to host EuroSkills 2022 has, by unanimous vote of all WorldSkills Europe members, gone to St. Peterburg.

    GEORGY POLTAVCHENKO, Governor of St. Petersburg:

    “We are ready to take full advantage of all our ideas, ideas and best practices during the preparation and holding of the European Championship of Professional Excellence in St. Petersburg. We will show our traditional Petersburg hospitality and we will be glad to welcome you and your teams in St. Petersburg. ”

    ROBERT URAZOV, General Director of the Young Professionals Union:

    “Of course, this is a victory. This is a tremendous opportunity for development, a smart tool that will help us improve vocational education. As with the fact that we will take all the practices that are in Europe, on the other hand, we will very well understand that in 2022 we must show all the best that we have. And we will work with double force.”

    WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2019

    During the General Assembly the host for the 2019 General Assembly was also announced. This hosting right, also by unanimous WorldSkills Europe vote, has gone to Riga, Latvia.

    DITA TRAIDAS, President WorldSkills Europe:

    “The Chance of organizing the General Assembly is a great opportunity to acquaint the WorldSkills Europe family with yet another destination on the map of Europe’s Skills organisations. We are honored to gather WorldSkills Europe delegates and challenged to share the spectacular experiences of our traditional craftsmanship, innovation and technology, outstanding cuisine, architectural pearls and the vibrant atmosphere of highly liveable city of Riga – city, inspiring excellence of professional skills and the exchange of knowledge.”

    Competition Preparation Meetings (CPM)

    The CPM were held from 4-7 March. During these meetings all Jury Presidents, Chief- and Deputy Chief Experts and Workshop Managers for all involved Skills Competitions get a chance to work on their Test Projects, follow workshops on standards and assessments and get updated on the latest procedures on competition rules and documentation.

  • First Board of Directors newsletter

    First Board of Directors newsletter

    Riga meeting of the board of directors

    The newly elected Board of Directors of the WorldSkills Europe met in Riga on December 6 to 8, 2017 to discuss and decide on series of vital issues for the organisation’s future operation.

    The main agenda items included:

    The legal documentation of the organisation – the Constitution, Standing Orders, and the Code of Ethics and Conduct. These were reviewed in detail and the new versions elaborated. After final elaborations the Steering Documents will be sent to the Members for their comments so that they could be approved during the General Assembly meeting in Budapest in March, 2018.

    • Among many items, it was decided that the legal name of the Organisation has to be changed from European Skills Promotion Organisation to WorldSkills Europe. For this action, legal assistance will be required.
    • The profile descriptions for the new General Manager and Marketing and Communications Manager, the positions of which will be announced in open calls during the second half of December 2017.
    • Membership issues, including the agreement reached on the European borders of the organisation’s members to be fixed according to the members of the Council of Europe and the geographic regions of Europe used by the Statistics Division of the United Nations.
    • The open position of the Treasurer as the term of the existing one is closing in 2018 and the proceedings for the new Treasurer to be approved during the General Assembly in March, 2018.
    • Revision of the Board Travel Policy Guidelines to be finalised after Board meeting in written procedure.
    • The development of the Sponsorship Concept will be further elaborated in separate meetings and finalised during January 2018.
    • Revision of the GA Validation Visits Policy, and it was decided that 2 countries that have applied to host the General Assembly in 2019, namely, Latvia (Riga) and Portugal (the Azores), will be asked to fill in the questionnaire for evaluation. No validation visits planned.

    The President informed the Board that she continues negotiations with European Commission for the support for national and international Skills competitions.

    The required part of the Board members will go on the validation visit to St. Petersburg, Russia, on 21 February, 2018, using that visit also for Board of Directors working group meeting on 22 February, 2018, to continue with the remaining WSE items to be finalised, in order to circulate those before GA in Budapest, March 7th, 2018, during CPM for EuroSkills2018.