WorldSkills Europe is pleased to announce that DMG MORI, a leading global manufacturer of machine tools, has become the newest Skill Sponsor.
As a Skill Sponsor of WorldSkills Europe, DMG MORI builds on its past support of EuroSkills Competitions and WorldSkills Europe Members to further develop skills excellence and an internationally prepared workforce.
DMG MORI is driving holistic Machining Transformation based on Process Integration, Automation, Digital Transformation and Green Transformation. In the “Global One Company”, more than 12,000 employees work together to be a total solution provider for their customers. DMG MORI is represented in 43 countries worldwide – with 16 production sites and 113 sales and service locations.
High-precision machine tools and sustainable technologies from DMG MORI are at the beginning of global value chains. Process integration, integrated automation and end-to-end digitization solutions as well as measures for more energy efficiency extend its core business with turning and milling machines, Advanced Technologies and Additive Manufacturing. DMG MORI technology excellence is bundled within the main sectors of Aerospace, Automotive, Die & Mold as well as Medical and Semiconductor.
The DMG MORI Academy, as a member of the DMG MORI group, is responsible for the technical training of customer and affiliates’ employees. Furthermore, the DMG MORI Academy acts as project partner in the equipping of training centers and educational facilities.
Guillaume Suteau, Chair of the Board, WorldSkills Europe, said: “We are delighted to welcome DMG MORI to WorldSkills Europe as a Skill Sponsor. DMG MORI’s ongoing support helps us continue to drive up standards of excellence in manufacturing and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals across Europe. We look forward to working even more closely with DMG MORI throughout this partnership.”
Jan Möllenhoff, Managing Director of DMG MORI Academy, said: “The EuroSkills Competitions are designed to motivate young people to perform at their very best. We have been supporting the EuroSkills Competitions since 2010. Our new role as a Skill Sponsor of WorldSkills Europe and the sponsorship of EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 with eight DMG MORI machines underline our long-term support.”
DMG MORI joins six other WorldSkills Europe Sponsors and 32 Member Countries that are committed to helping young people change their lives, and the fortunes of their communities and countries through skills.
Signing of the Skill Partnership Agreement between WorldSkills Europe and DMG MORI. Left to right: Laurence Gates, CEO, WorldSkills Europe; Jan Möllenhoff, Managing Director, DMG MORI Academy; Teija Ripattila, former Chair of the Board, WorldSkills Europe and Chief Training Manager at Skills Finland.
WorldSkills Europe is hiring an Administration and Member Services Coordinator to join its team.
WorldSkills Europe is looking for a motivated, passionate, and hard-working Administration and Member Services Coordinator (freelancer/independent contractor) to support its virtual team.
The coordinator position will be responsible for the full range of administrative tasks of the WorldSkills Europe organisation as well as acting as first point of contact for Member country organisations. This position will also support the training of new delegates for the organisation.
The right candidate will ideally be based in Europe, be comfortable working with a small remote team through an ability to effectively interact with staff at all levels from across the organisation, while remaining flexible, analytical, proactive, resourceful, and efficient.
Key responsibilities
Organise international seminars and workshops;
Update and maintain program calendars and track deadlines;
Make arrangements (travel, accommodation and other) for Board and team meetings, prepare agendas, take minutes, and track action items;
Assist in preparing agreements, manage paperwork, and track progress against agreed milestones;
Undertake other administrative, research and campaign support tasks as required;
Support planning processes, implement project debriefs and coordinate calendars;
Maintain and improve team efficiency and coordination;
Handle appropriate written and verbal correspondence with diverse stakeholders;
Participate in strategy, planning and review meetings,
Represent WorldSkills Europe in meetings;
Write content for reports, case studies and other purposes as appropriate;
Provide operational support to the Host of EuroSkills Competitions when preparing the event;
Handle the Member Support desk during EuroSkills Competitions;
Prepare and implement the training of new delegates.
Skills, knowledge and experience
At least 2 years’ experience in administration and management;
Knowledge of and interest in the vocational education sector;
Knowledge of and previous involvement in WorldSkills Competitions and related activities a must;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (additional languages an advantage), including an ability to summarise complex information and present it in a simplified, accurate format;
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse community groups from non-English speaking countries;
Strong organisational, time management and project management skills;
Ability to manage up and manage across, and ability to work with staff at all levels (experience working with teams remotely is preferred);
Self-starter, ability to use initiative and provide proactive support to a team;
Great organisational and interpersonal skills;
Enthusiastic team-player with a friendly and professional personality;
Flexibility with working hours;
Experience organising and working for a highly motivated and technically proficient team;
PC Applications: use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint and electronic diary and mailing systems.
As one Competition closed, the countdown to another kicked off with style and excitement.
In a symbolic moment at the EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 Closing Ceremony, the WorldSkills Europe flag was passed from Team Poland’s Dawid Miotk, Hotel Receptioning silver medallist, to Team Denmark’s Amalie Druekær Rasmussen, Restaurant Service silver medallist, starting the official countdown to EuroSkills Herning 2025.
Denmark is preparing to welcome around 700 Competitors from 32 countries to participate in 38 skill competitions in Herning, Denmark from 9 to 13 September 2025, in front of up to 100,000 spectators.
In addition to celebrating Europe’s most talented young professionals, Denmark will use the opportunity of hosting EuroSkills to increase the focus on vocational training in Denmark, and also to emphasise how skills can help us rise to the global challenge of creating a sustainable future for our planet.
The Competition campaign was launched at the EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 Closing Ceremony (9 September) with a promotional film, which was shown after the official Flag Handover.
Watch the promotional film below
In an impassioned speech at the Ceremony, former Prime Minister of Denmark and Chairman of EuroSkills Herning 2025, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, said: “EuroSkills Herning 2025 has enormous potential to put vocational training at the top of the agenda and push for all the development and change we want to see in the Danish education system.”
“Skills are absolutely essential for the green transition. Therefore, we will do everything to ensure that EuroSkills Herning 2025 equips the young skilled workers of the future with the skills necessary to carry out the green transition. It is crucial if we are to ensure that we achieve everything we are talking about when it comes to creating a sustainable future,” Rasmussen added.
About EuroSkills Herning 2025
EuroSkills Herning 2025 is scheduled to take place from 9 to 13 September 2025 at MCH Messecenter Herning, Denmark. The event will welcome around 700 skilled young professionals from 32 countries to participate in competitions in 38 different skills. Up to 100,000 visitors from across Denmark and abroad are expected to attend.
Visitors to the Competition will be able to watch the Competitors in action and have the opportunity to try hands-on job-related skills at the many ‘Try-a-Skill’ demonstrations. The tens of thousands of school-aged young people who visit will be encouraged to turn their passions into a profession.
EuroSkills Herning 2025 is organised in partnership by Denmark’s Ministry of Children and Education, Herning Municipality, the Central Jutland Region, the Danish Employers’ Association, the Trade Union Movement’s Main Organisation, WorldSkills Denmark, and WorldSkills Europe.
The city of Herning is home to a thriving industrial sector, with a large international workforce focusing on a shift towards Industry 4.0. This is a result of a long-standing tradition of close cooperation between local industry and businesses, educational institutions, elementary schools and the municipality.
Almost 600 of the most talented young professionals from 32 countries were celebrated at the EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 Closing Ceremony on Saturday, 9 September, for their commitment to achieving the world-class standard of excellence in their skills.
EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023, with the theme #UnitedBySkills, has been an unprecedented event for Poland, bringing together the industrial, social, and education sectors for three days of action-packed competitions in 42 skills and professions.
The hard work of everyone involved was finally celebrated this evening, as delegates from all 32 WorldSkills Europe Member countries gathered together with the 576 Competitors, 572 Experts, dignitaries, and supporters at a spectacular Closing Ceremony where the EuroSkills Competition 2023 Official Results were revealed.
Jos de Goey Best in Europe Award
The most coveted accolade at EuroSkills – the Jos de Goey Best in Europe Award – is always the final honour to be presented at the Closing Ceremony, when emotions and excitement reach the highpoint.
The Best in Europe Award is named after the founder of WorldSkills Europe and the first President of the organisation. Jos de Goey passed away suddenly in 2020; as a way to honour his lifelong devotion to the WorldSkills movement, the Award was renamed in his memory. The Award is presented to the Competitor (or group of Competitors) who achieves the highest overall score out of all of the hundreds of Competitors across all 40+ competitions at EuroSkills.
The Jos de Goey Best in Europe Award 2023 was awarded to Tamas Bandur and Zsolt Koncsik of Hungary, who won Gold medals in the ICT Specialists (team skill) competition. The amber-adorned trophy was presented on stage by Jos de Goey’s wife, Anouschka de Goey.
Among the thousands of spectators who gathered for the Closing Ceremony at the Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk were Teija Ripattila, Chair of the Board of WorldSkills Europe, and Prof. Paweł Poszytek, WorldSkills Poland Official Delegate and General Director of the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE).
Celebrating all young professionals
WorldSkills Europe Chair of the Board, Teija Ripattila, shared an impassioned message addressed to Competitors after the Award presentations concluded: “Each and every one of you can now call yourself a EuroSkills Champion – whether you are taking home a medal tonight or not, by competing here in Gdańsk this week you have shown the whole of Europe that you are the best of the best young professionals in your respective skills. And you can now use your EuroSkills experiences as a springboard to even greater professional success in the future. Be proud and know that United By Skills you are all changing the world for the better.”
Paweł Poszytek, WorldSkills Poland Official Delegate and General Director of the Foundation for the Development of the Education System, said: “Today is a special day. It’s the moment when outstanding European youth are rewarded. Medals are meaningful, but the experience gained by you, as well as the friendships formed, are priceless. I am proud, moved, and delighted that we have been entrusted with the honour and immense challenge of organizing EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 in just fifteen months. I am convinced that we have executed the task well and that all the guests experienced Polish hospitality. I sincerely hope that you will carry beautiful memories back to your countries. Congratulations to all the competitors without exception. You are the future; you are the flower of the young generation. Your talent, dedication, and hard work have been noticed and appreciated. It is you who will make the world a better place.”
WorldSkills Europe Flag Handover
The EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 Closing Ceremony concluded with the passing of the WorldSkills Europe flag to the next EuroSkills host nation, Denmark, presenting EuroSkills Herning 2025. Amalie Druekær Rasmussen from the Danish national team had the honour of receiving the flag on stage.
Introducing EuroSkills Herning 2025
The Danish city of Herning will host the 9th edition of the EuroSkills Competition in 2025. The event is scheduled for 9-13 September 2025 at MCH Messecenter Herning, the largest exhibition centre in Scandinavia. For more information, visit: euroskills2025.com.
WorldSkills Champions Trust at EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023
WorldSkills Champions Trust representatives for Europe Dan McCabe and João Teixeira joined EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 to support the young Competitors. Both former EuroSkills and WorldSkills Competitors, they had the opportunity to relive their experiences and the unforgettable memories they made.
During an impassioned speech at the Opening Ceremony, Dan told the audience that he had had the pleasure of being in their shoes, an experience that he said jump-started his career as a game developer, since he was headhunted by various companies after winning a gold medal, for Team UK (WorldSkills UK) at EuroSkills Gothenburg 2016.
“I then went to WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. And it turns out I was not the best in the world. It was a very humbling experience and life changing in a very different way. It took me until long after I finished competing to really see what the most valuable part of the event was. It was the experience,” said Dan. “If you only focus on winning, I’m afraid you may miss the point of this whole event. We are promoting excellence, your excellence, showing that skills keep our world moving and you, you are the people with those skills.”
During the official Press Conference on 6 September, João spoke about the impact of representing Team Portugal (WorldSkills Portugal) at EuroSkills Graz 2021 and WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition. Not only did it help his technical skills grow, he said, but it also made him more disciplined and committed to excellence.
As he is currently furthering his studies to become a Mechanical Engineer, João is now an instructor and a trainer for future WorldSkills Competitors, something that he says, “is a very fulfilling mission at this point in my life.”
Over the five days of the event, Dan and João took part in multiple media and promotional events to help raise awareness of the transforming power of skills development.
EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 was the eighth edition of the biennial EuroSkills Competition – the biggest vocational education and skills excellence event in Europe.
The event took place over five days, beginning with an Opening Ceremony on 5 September, followed by three days of action-packed competitions in 42 skills, and concluding with this evening’s Closing Ceremony, where awards including gold, silver, and bronze medals were presented to the highest scoring Competitors.
EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 also brought together leaders from industry, education, and government to share best practices and learn about global trends and issues found in TVET, skills demand, skills of the future, as well as skills excellence and development. These themes were discussed during the VI International Congress on Education and Training, which took place on 7 September as an accompanying event of the Competition.
The signing ceremony, which was held at special reception at EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 on Friday, 8 September, was attended by Peter Thiele, Head of Division Continuing Vocational Training, European Vocational Education and Training Area, German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Dr. Jens Stuhldreier, Head of Division in the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, and Luc Weis, head of the innovation and research department at the ministry of Education, Children and Youth in Luxembourg, Hubert Romer, Official Delegate and CEO of WorldSkills Germany, Michael Hafner, President of WorldSkills Germany, Luc Belling, Official Delegate of WorldSkills Luxembourg, Gil Belling, President of WorldSkills Luxembourg, Teija Ripattila, Chair of the Board of WorldSkills Europe, and Laurence Gates, CEO of WorldSkills Europe.
Düsseldorf was confirmed as host city of the tenth EuroSkills Competition following a unanimous vote in favour of the first ever joint bid by two countries – Germany and Luxembourg – to host a EuroSkills Competition. The historic moment that the result of the vote was announced in 2022 was met with rapturous applause and cheers by WorldSkills Europe Members.
Teija Ripattila, Chair of the Board of WorldSkills Europe, said: “Germany and Luxembourg’s milestone partnership to host EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027 will benefit the WorldSkills movement hugely. It sends such a positive message about the importance of transnational collaboration and how, by working more closely together, we can achieve even greater levels of skills excellence and development in Europe and beyond.”
For Gil Belling, President of WorldSkills Luxembourg, and Michael Hafner, President of WorldSkills Germany, the signing of the official Organisational Agreement represents a major milestone. Both are now looking forward to the upcoming preparation phase for EuroSkills 2027.
Earlier this week, Luxembourg was also chosen as host of the WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2024, following a unanimous vote by Members in favour of their bid.
“I am very pleased that Germany will host the EuroSkills Competition in 2027. The decision reflects the high reputation of the German vocational education and training system and the organisational strength of our stakeholders”, emphasised Peter Thiele, Head of Division Continuing Vocational Training, European Vocational Education and Training Area, German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
“The joint implementation with Luxembourg underscores the European vision and the aspiration for a unified European education area. EuroSkills 2027 in Düsseldorf will serve as a prominent showcase of vocational education and training across Europe, while also providing an exciting international youth event. For Germany, EuroSkills 2027 is the right stage to underline the excellence and value of our vocational education and training, offering young people a valuable first-hand experience in career orientation. We have therefore been a non-material and financial supporter of international skill competitions and EuroSkills 2027 with full conviction for years,” added Minister Thiele.
The importance of EuroSkills 2027 is also underlined by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), which will support the competitions with a total of 5 million euros, “Securing skilled labour is one of the major challenges of the coming years,” said Dr. Jens Stuhldreier, Head of Division in the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia. “In view of the major societal challenges posed by demographic change – combined with the green and digital transformation – the North Rhine-Westphalian state government has developed a joint action plan with the NRW Skilled Workers Offensive in order to more strongly bundle and effectively interlink activities and measures to sustainably secure skilled workers. In this context, we expect EuroSkills 2027 to boost the attractiveness of vocational education and training and especially of the dual training system.”
Luc Weis, head of the innovation and research department at the ministry of Education, Children and Youth, emphasised that it is a unique opportunity for Luxembourg to organize sustainable EuroSkills together with our partners from Germany: “It is important to us to bring nations together so that we can learn from each other; this will contribute to the continuous development of our educational and VET systems. EuroSkills 2027 will hopefully have a lasting impact long after the competitions ended in Düsseldorf. In the run-up to EuroSkills 2027, young people from all over Europe come together in Luxembourg to compete in peaceful competition. As part of the supporting program of the competitions in 2027, an international youth camp will take place in Luxembourg, which will also strengthen friendship and exchange among European youth. Finally, we are confident that our contribution will continue to have a lasting impact beyond 2027, both on our educational and VET systems as well as on the WorldSkills movement.”
EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027 is supported and endorsed by a number of key partners, including the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia’s Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs and the State’s Ministry of Economics, Innovation, Digitization and Energy, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, the City of Düsseldorf, and Messe Düsseldorf.
Düsseldorf is the capital city of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous state of Germany. It is a major international business and financial centre with a broad mix of industries.
EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027, which is proposed for September 2027, will be held at the Messe Düsseldorf.
Alina Fleaca of WorldSkills Belgium and Christine Davatz of Switzerland join WSE Board.
WorldSkills Europe is delighted to announce that Alina Fleaca, Technical Delegate for WorldSkills Belgium, and Christine Davatz, former Official Delegate for Switzerland, have been appointed as Members of the WorldSkills Europe Board of Directors.
Alina and Christine were elected to the Board following a vote by WorldSkills Europe Members at the 2023 General Assembly, which took place in Gdańsk, Poland today (6 September 2023).
The new appointments come as Teija Ripattila (Finland), Chair of the Board, and Terry Cooke (UK), Treasurer and Board Secretary, both complete their terms as Board Members on 9 September 2023.
Guillaume Suteau (France), current Board Member and Chair of the Competition Committee, will take up the role of Chair of the Board, with Patrik Svensson (Sweden), current Board Member, becoming Chair of the Competition Committee (formerly Vice Chair).
Alina Fleaca (pictured, above left) takes up the role of Vice Chair, Competition Committee, and Christine Davatz (above right) becomes Treasurer.
Introducing Alina Fleaca
Alina Fleaca has been working full time for WorldSkills Belgium since 2009. She has served as Belgium’s Technical Delegate for EuroSkills Competitions since 2014 and for WorldSkills Competitions since 2013. She has fulfilled the roles of Jury President and Jury President Team Leader in past Competitions, and has also been active in several working groups both for WorldSkills Europe and WorldSkills International. Alina has also trained Experts and other Technical Delegates during WorldSkills Competitions.
During WorldSkills Kazan 2019, Alina was Competition Committee Delegate for Team Leaders, chairing the meetings of Team Leaders from all WorldSkills International member countries.
Born in Sibiu, Romania, Alina moved to Belgium in 2008. She has a bachelor’s degree in translations and interpretations (French, English, Romanian) and a master’s Degree in Tourism and Services.
Introducing Christine Davatz
In a career spanning more than three decades, Christine Davatz has dedicated her entire working life to the education and training of young people. For 20 years, Christine served as the Official Delegate of Switzerland and head of delegation for the Swiss teams at WorldSkills and EuroSkills Competitions. Christine also worked for the Swiss Association of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) for 36 years, where she developed and maintained strong relationships with around 250 professional associations.
Although officially retired since 2022, Christine joins the WorldSkills Europe Board as Treasurer based on her Honorary Member status, which she received in recognition of her lifetime commitment to vocational education, and with full support from SwissSkills.
Laurence Gates, CEO, WorldSkills Europe, said: “Alina and Christine have both already contributed so much to the growth of the WorldSkills movement in their respective roles in Belgium and Switzerland. I congratulate them both on their appointments and very much look forward to working with them in their new roles on the Board.”
WorldSkills Europe thanks Teija Ripattila and Terry Cooke
“We extend our sincere thanks to Teija Ripattila and Terry Cooke, both of whom have been unwavering in their support for WorldSkills Europe, for being cheerleaders for our Members and young people, and for vocational skills and education,” said Laurence Gates, CEO, WorldSkills Europe.
Teija Ripattila is Finland’s Chief Training Manager and Official Delegate for EuroSkills, and Team Leader for WorldSkills. Teija served as a Member of the WorldSkills Europe Board of Directors since 2014, most recently as Chair of the Board, since 2021.
Terry Cooke began his career as a teacher in the UK, but moving to western Canada soon afterwards, he served as a teacher, Vice Principal, and Principal at three different schools. Terry was Skills Canada Secretary from 1991-94, President 2004-10, Official Delegate 2003-11 and was a founding member of WorldSkills Calgary 2009. Terry served as Treasurer and Board Secretary on the WorldSkills Europe Board of Directors since 2018.
WorldSkills Europe Board of Directors – as of 10 September 2023
WorldSkills Europe Members voted unanimously in favour of Luxembourg’s bid.
Luxembourg has been chosen as the host of the WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2024. The event is scheduled to take place from 4-7 June 2024.
WorldSkills Luxembourg presented its bid to WorldSkills Europe Delegates at the 2023 General Assembly in Gdańsk, Poland today (6 September 2023), after which Member countries voted unanimously in favour of the bid.
Luxembourg’s hosting of the WSE General Assembly 2024 highlights its ongoing commitment to promoting closer cross-border exchanges between European nations with the goal of increasing the attractiveness, growth and development of technical and vocational education and training for young people.
In June 2022, Luxembourg’s joint bid with Germany to co-host the tenth EuroSkills Competition in Düsseldorf in 2027 was accepted by a unanimous vote by Members. The ground-breaking moment marked the first time in WorldSkills Europe’s 15-year history that two nations have been confirmed as joint hosts of a EuroSkills Competition.
“Luxembourg has already demonstrated strong commitment to improving our world through the provision of world-class training and standards in professional skills. Hosting a General Assembly will contribute significantly to furthering the development of WorldSkills Luxembourg on a national level and to the ongoing positive impact of the WorldSkills movement in Europe,” said Teija Ripattila, Chair of the Board, WorldSkills Europe.
“Congratulations to the whole WorldSkills Luxembourg team. We are already looking forward to what looks set to be a highly informative and action-packed General Assembly in Luxembourg next year,” added Ripattila.
Luxembourg’s proposed events to be integrated as part of the General Assembly 2024 programme will include participation from the Luxembourgish Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, which will see current and potential new concepts and approaches to competition-based learning discussed and explored by all 32 WorldSkills Europe Member Countries.
Gil Belling, President of WorldSkills Luxembourg, said: “We are extremely proud of this outcome and would like to thank all Members for their unanimous vote and support. Hosting the WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2024 is an immense honour for WorldSkills Luxembourg and a historical moment for our country as well as proof of our long-term dedication to the WorldSkills movement and its missions. We are excited to welcome all of you in Luxembourg and explore together innovative approaches through new projects such as “Level Up”.
On the road to EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027, hosted by WorldSkills Germany and WorldSkills Luxembourg, this event will be a major contribution to the development of vocational education and training in Europe.
The WorldSkills Europe General Assembly Luxembourg 2024 will be held at the Novotel Luxembourg in the Kirchberg area of Luxembourg City. The area is home to one of several seats of the European Union and to other institutions such as the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Court of Auditors, and the European Investment Bank.
The Kirchberg area is also famous for its cultural landmarks and places of interest, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MUDAM), the Philharmonic Orchestra, and the early 18th century fortification, Fort Thüngen.
Side activities for a General Assembly hosted by Luxembourg could potentially include a guided tour of Luxembourg City’s Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a visit to the European Museum in Schengen.
The General Assembly is the highest authority of WorldSkills Europe. The General Assembly 2024 will include meetings of the WorldSkills Europe Strategy and Competitions Committees and WorldSkills Europe Sponsors and Partners.
Learn more about Luxembourg
The Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg is a small, landlocked country located in Western Europe between Germany, France, and Belgium. It covers 2.586,4 km2 and has a population of around 660,000 (255 people per km2).
As one of the founding members of the European Union and seats of several European institutions, Luxembourg plays an important role as a place of networking and cooperation on an international level.
Luxembourg is multilingual, with three official languages (Luxembourgish, German, and French) and a very high level of English proficiency. Renowned for its strong economy, multiculturalism, and rich history, it is both rooted in tradition and embracing the future.
The country’s vibrant capital, Luxembourg City, is connected to motorways to France, Germany, and Belgium. It is also connected to the European railway network and to an international airport. Since March 2020, all public transport in Luxembourg is free of charge.
Famous attractions in Luxembourg include the old remains of the fortifications, such as the casemates or the Bock, the picturesque alleys of the Grund district, the deep gorges of the Alzette and Petrusse valleys, or the Monument of Remembrance “Gëlle Fra”.
With a spectacular show of music, dance, and youthful energy, the 8th edition of the European Championship of Young Professionals was declared officially open in Gdańsk, Poland this evening (Tuesday, 5 September 2023).
The highlight of the EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 Opening Ceremony was the Parade of Nations, which this year included 576 talented young professionals from 32 countries, who have gathered in Gdańsk to compete for the chance to become Best in Europe in 42 different skills.
The Competitors and Team Leaders from all 32 countries each had their moment to shine on stage at the Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk, where the audience of thousands rose in rapturous cheers and applause. Key dignitaries in attendance included Teija Ripattila, Chair of the Board of WorldSkills Europe, and Prof. Paweł Poszytek, WorldSkills Poland Official Delegate and General Director of the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE).
“Helping young people to develop their skills with the goal of achieving the world-class standard of professional excellence underpins everything we do at WorldSkills Europe – all because we believe that skills change worlds,” said Teija Ripattila, Chair of the Board, WorldSkills Europe, in her opening address.
“I wish each and every Competitor great success in your endeavours in the coming days and the important role you will play in sharing the empowering message of EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023. Regardless of whether you win a medal at the Competition, each and every one of you is already a champion. You have been on an incredible professional and personal development journey and have accomplished a tremendous amount already in the lead up to this moment. EuroSkills is your springboard to even greater professional success,” added Ripattila.
Prof. Paweł Poszytek, WorldSkills Poland Official Delegate and General Director of the Foundation for the Development of the Education System, said: “Looking at all of you – exceptionally talented youth who have overcome a challenging journey to come to Poland today and compete in EuroSkills Gdańsk – I feel pride, joy, and hope. I see in you the future leaders, change-makers, and innovators. I want you to remember that standing here today, you are not just competing; you are showcasing your skills, determination, and potential to the entire continent. The challenges that await you in the coming days are not just tests of skills; they are opportunities to push boundaries, grow, and form relationships that will last a lifetime. I wish you fantastic emotions, success, and beautiful, unforgettable moments.”
Inspiring message from WorldSkills Champions Trust representative
Another highlight of the Ceremony saw WorldSkills Champions Trust Representative for Europe, Dan McCabe, join the stage to deliver an impassioned speech to motivate the young Competitors in Gdańsk. McCabe (pictured below), is a world-class 3D Digital Games Artist, who represented Team UK (WorldSkills UK) at EuroSkills Gothenburg 2016 and WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017.
Spectacular Opening Ceremony performances
The Opening Ceremony was hosted by Polish television presenters Ida Nowakowska and Tomasz Wolny (pictured below), who are co-presenters on Poland’s popular magazine television show “Pytania na śniadanie” (Questions for Breakfast).
Entertainment performances at the Opening Ceremony included:
Live Artistic Sand Painting by Tetiana Galitsyna
Artistic Light Painting by Tony Dream
Live DJ set with music producer, DJ Gromee, featuring Marta Galuszewska, singer and winner of The Voice of Poland
EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 begins tomorrow (Wednesday, 6 September 2023) at the AmberExpo Exhibition and Congress Centre. The Competition runs over three days, ending on Friday, 8 September.
The event will conclude with a Closing Ceremony at the Polsat Plus Arena on Saturday, 9 September, where awards including Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be presented to the highest scoring Competitors.
The most coveted accolade at EuroSkills is the Jos de Goey Best in Europe Award which is presented to the Competitor (or group of Competitors) who achieves the highest overall score out of all the hundreds of Competitors across all 42 skill competitions.
For more information about EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023, visit euroskills2023.org.
Held every two years and organised by WorldSkills Europe together with 32 Member Countries, EuroSkills Competitions bring together hundreds of young people under the age of 25 to compete for the chance to become the Best in Europe in their chosen areas of professional expertise.
Competitors represent the best of their peers and are selected to compete at EuroSkills after taking part in national competitions held in their respective countries.
At EuroSkills, Competitors are challenged to complete a test project or series of tasks and projects within pressured timeframes and under strict codes of competitive practice over three days. The projects demand complex technical knowledge and capabilities that the Competitors are learning and mastering through their studies and workplace training.
A total of 572 WorldSkills Europe Experts from industry and education are accompanying the Competitors at EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 this week. The Experts work with the Competitors for up to two years in advance of the Competition, providing additional training to ensure the young people have the skills and techniques needed to perform to a world-class level of excellence. The Experts are also responsible for creating the test projects, which are each designed according to the highest industry-specific occupational standards.
EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 is open to the public and admission-free. Online registration is required. To register to attend, please visit: https://euroskills2023.org/register-now.
Visitors to the Competition will be able to witness the young professionals showcasing their skills as well as having the opportunity to try hands-on job-related skills at the 30 ‘Try-a-Skill’ demonstrations featured throughout the Competition halls.
EuroSkills in Poland
EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 is the first EuroSkills to be hosted by Poland. Hosting the event is not only proof of Poland’s sustained commitment to keep technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and skills at the top of national and European agendas, but also a way to shine a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of the most talented young professionals, education institutions, and employers in Europe.
This edition of EuroSkills is even more significant as it takes place during the European Year of Skills 2023, the EU initiative which is putting skills centre-stage by bringing organisations and people together to share insights and to showcase skills development activities and opportunities across Europe.
EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 is therefore also bringing together leaders from industry, education, and government to share best practices and learn about global trends and issues found in TVET, skills demand, skills of the future, as well as skills excellence and development. These themes will be discussed during the VI International Congress on Education and Training, which will take place on 7 September as part of EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023. The International Congress has the motto “Skills are the Future”.
Following Greece’s staging of its very first National Skills Competition, which was held in Athens in May this year, the winners of three competitions have been selected by WorldSkills Greece to represent their country at next month’s EuroSkills Competition in Gdańsk, Poland.
Giorgos Tzafa (Electrical Installations), Dimitrios Michailidis (Web Development), and Vasileios Giouroukos (Automobile Technology) comprise Greece’s first national team to participate in a EuroSkills Competition. All three Competitors are now in the final stages of their intense training and preparation, and are looking forward to showcasing their skills alongside a total of 600 young professionals from 32 countries.
WorldSkills Europe approved Greece’s application to become a Member country in September 2022, which paved the way for Greece to participate in EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 and future EuroSkills Competitions and related activities.
The Official Delegate of WorldSkills Greece is Dr. Georgios Voutsinos, Secretary General for Vocational Education, Training, Lifelong Learning and Youth, Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs. The Technical Delegate of WorldSkills Greece is Ms. Vassiliki Boltsi, Employee for European and International Affairs at the General Secretariat for Vocational Education and Training, Lifelong Learning & Youth, Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs.
City of Gdańsk readies for the 8th edition of the European Championship of Young Professionals
In the summer months, people often worry about the holiday season passing by too quickly. This year, however, things are different, as we look excitedly ahead towards September, when Europe’s biggest skills event will arrive in Gdańsk, Poland for the very first time.
In just one month, from 5-9 September 2023, tens of thousands of people from 32 countries across Europe will gather in Gdańsk. It will be a meeting place of a wide variety of industries, education institutions, government representatives, and communities, all with the shared belief that #UnitedBySkills we can change the world.
Many months of preparation and intense training, as well as a commitment to excellence in skills, is the luggage that over 600 young professionals will be bringing with them to Gdańsk, ready to showcase their talents for a chance to earn the title of Best in Europe in their chosen fields of expertise.
An international showcase of vocational education and skills excellence
Organised by WorldSkills Europe together with 32 Member Countries, the biennial EuroSkills Competition, brings together hundreds of talented young people under the age of 25 to display their expertise in more than 40 different professional skills. EuroSkills Competitors represent the best of their peers, having been selected after taking part in national competitions in their respective countries.
From 5-9 September, Gdańsk will become a city of stories, welcoming not only 600 young professionals, but also around 500 experts from industry and education, as well as political leaders and influencers, who will meet to discuss important issues and exchange new ideas related to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and skills in Europe.
Thousands of vocational and technical education students who visit will also get to see the important role they can play in the skills ecosystem and understand how the future belongs to them.
One event, many attractions
AmberExpo Exhibition and Congress Centre and the Polsat Plus Arena will be the most important points on the map of Gdańsk. The two adjoining locations will be linked with a series of magnificent tent structures to create a ‘city of skills’.
Get ready to spend three action-packed days witnessing the young people hard at work, who will demonstrate their professional skills, vying to earn a place on the medal podium. Cheer on your national team and make sure to visit the Try-a-Skill and Sponsor and Partner exhibition zones. The entire space of the event covers more than 50,000 m2.
“The WorldSkills competition, through its innovative, attractive formula, inspires young people to develop their talents, improve their skills and at some point be able to compete for the title of the best in their specialty with their peers from Europe or the world. I would like to invite everyone to Gdańsk to observe live the tenacity of the most talented European youth and cheer on the teams.” – says PhD, DSc Paweł Poszytek, General Director of the Foundation for the Development of the Education System – National Agency for the Erasmus+ Programme and European Solidarity Corps
Teija Ripattila, Chair of the Board, WorldSkills Europe, said: “EuroSkills Competitions are driven by the energy, talent, and enthusiasm of the young people who are at the heart of our mission. The Competitions inspire young people to develop a passion for skills and encourage young professionals to pursue word-class standards of excellence, which will help raise their profile, abilities, and long-term career prospects.”
“Hosting an international event of the scale of EuroSkills is only possible thanks to high-level commitment and support. WorldSkills Europe is therefore incredibly thankful not only to WorldSkills Poland and FRSE, but also to all Sponsors and Partners, and project partners from government, industry, and education that are supporting EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023,” added Ripattila.
Innovation, business and education
EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 will be an opportunity to experience sports-like excitement, emotion, and healthy competition. However, in addition to this, there is also an informative educational and business dimension to the event.
Representatives from many companies, a large number of which support the Competition by providing equipment, tools, and industry-specific expertise will join the event. Through such close collaboration between education and business, EuroSkills aims to close the European skills gap, by creating opportunities for young people entering the workforce at to help companies access a highly-skilled pool of potential employees.
This edition of EuroSkills is even more significant as it is taking place during the European Year of Skills 2023, the EU initiative which is putting skills centre-stage by bringing organisations and people together to share insights and to showcase skills development activities and opportunities across Europe.
EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 is therefore also bringing together leaders from industry, education, and governments to share best practices and learn about global trends and issues found in TVET, skills demand, skills of the future, innovative economics, climate education, digital transformation, democratic participation and inclusion and diversity. These themes will be discussed during the 6th International Congress on Education and Training, which will take place on 7 September as part of EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023.
The Congress has the motto “Skills are the Future” and aims to highlight the synergy between the Erasmus+ programme and the WorldSkills occupational standards. To apply to attend the Congress, visit: https://kongres.frse.org.pl/vi-kongres-frse-english.
Olympic-style Opening and Closing Ceremonies to celebrate young skilled professionals
EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 will kick-off with an Opening Ceremony at the Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk on Tuesday, 5 September, followed by three days of competitions at the adjacent Amber Expo Exhibition and Congress Centre. The event will then conclude with a dazzling Closing Ceremony back at the Polsat Plus Arena on 9 September, where awards including Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are presented to the highest scoring Competitors.
The most coveted accolade at EuroSkills is the Jos de Goey Best in Europe Award which is presented to the Competitor (or group of Competitors) who achieves the highest overall score out of all the hundreds of Competitors across all 40+ skill competitions.
Get ready for a spectacular show with charismatic presenters, demonstrations and musical performances. Admission to both ceremonies is open to the public by pre-registering on the website: https://euroskills2023.org/register-now.
For more information about EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023, visit euroskills2023.org.
