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WorldSkills Europe Members voted unanimously in favour of Finland’s bid.

Helsinki has been chosen as the host city of the WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2026.

Skills Finland presented its bid to WorldSkills Europe Delegates at the 2025 General Assembly in Herning, Denmark, after which Member countries voted unanimously in favour.

Ben Blackledge, Chair of the WorldSkills Europe Board, congratulated Skills Finland on their successful bid: “Hosting the General Assembly in Helsinki highlights Finland’s ongoing commitment to collaboration across Europe, and to enhancing the attractiveness, growth, and development of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) for young people through the provision of world-class training and standards in professional skills. We look forward to gathering with colleagues in Helsinki next year.”

Maria Ekroth, CEO of Skills Finland, added: “We are thrilled to receive the unanimous support of all Members. It is a great honour to host the WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2026 in Helsinki. We look forward to welcoming all delegates to Finland’s capital — the happiest city in the happiest country in the world — and to exploring innovative approaches to skills development together.”

The proposed programme for the General Assembly will focus on creating opportunities for dialogue and exchange on competition-based learning and other innovative approaches to TVET among all 34 WorldSkills Europe Member countries.

The General Assembly 2026 will be held in central Helsinki, a city known for its modern architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and easy connectivity across Europe. Possible side activities may include guided tours of Helsinki’s historic sites, the Design District, and nearby attractions such as Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

As the highest authority of WorldSkills Europe, the General Assembly 2026 will include meetings of the WorldSkills Europe Strategy and Competitions Committees, Marketing and Communications Officers, as well as Sponsors and Partners.

Skills Finland has experience in hosting a successful WorldSkills Europe General Assembly, having previously hosted the General Assembly in Helsinki in 2015.

Learn more about Finland

Finland, located in Northern Europe, is renowned for its high-quality education system, innovation in vocational training, and commitment to sustainability. Helsinki, the capital, is a hub for business, culture, and international cooperation, and is easily accessible via rail, road, and air connections.

With a strong tradition of collaboration and a focus on skills excellence, Finland offers an inspiring and productive setting for the WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2026.

WorldSkills Europe Members have formally welcomed North Macedonia as the newest (34th) Member country.

North Macedonia’s membership was ratified on 10 September at the WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2025, which took place alongside EuroSkills Herning 2025.

The official membership of North Macedonia is organised by the Centre for the Development of Vocational Education (CDVE), the main public body responsible for improving and developing vocational education and training (VET) at the national level. The Centre undertakes numerous initiatives to enhance knowledge, opportunities, and skills for students, promote excellence in VET, and support participation in international skills competitions.

Becoming a Member of WorldSkills Europe means that North Macedonia will be able to participate in EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027 and in future EuroSkills Competitions and related activities.

“We are delighted to welcome North Macedonia as a Member of WorldSkills Europe and look forward to the new perspectives, insights, and knowledge they will bring to our existing Members. As our membership continues to grow, so does the commitment of all our Members to drive up standards of excellence in skills and to inspire the next generation of young professionals across Europe,” said Ben Blackledge, Chair of the Board, WorldSkills Europe.

The Official Delegate of North Macedonia for WorldSkills Europe is Goran Spasovski, and the Technical Delegate is Sonja Slavkovikj, Advisor for Health and Social Care at CDVE. Both have been actively involved in the development, modernisation, and improvement of VET, national skills competitions, and the promotion of skills across North Macedonia.

Sonja Slavkovikj, North Macedonia Technical Delegate, spoke of the significance of North Macedonia becoming a Member of WorldSkills Europe: “Becoming a Member of WorldSkills Europe is a great honour and privilege for our country. We are proud to join an organisation that represents the gold standard in vocational excellence, and we are committed to upholding the values and quality that define this prestigious network.

“This membership opens new doors for our institutions to elevate vocational education through the exchange of experiences, policies, and best practices across Europe. It empowers educators and trainers to innovate, collaborate, and continuously improve the learning environment. For our young people, it is a powerful platform for recognition, an opportunity to showcase their talents, gain international exposure and build a future rooted in skill, confidence, and ambition.

“We are grateful to Swiss development organisation, Helvetas, for their support for the Education and Employment project in North Macedonia, and through the process of applying to become a Member of WorldSkills Europe.

“Together, through WorldSkills Europe, we will reach excellence, sustainability, and digital advancement ensuring that our country’s talent is not only competitive, but visionary.”

The Centre for the Development of Vocational Education leads national initiatives such as annual skills competitions in multiple sectors, teacher training programmes, and projects promoting vocational education and training. These initiatives have contributed to over 70% enrolment in vocational schools among students completing primary education. CDVE also facilitates international cooperation and exchange with other WorldSkills Europe Member countries, ensuring that students, teachers, and mentors gain exposure to global best practices in skills development.

Participation in WorldSkills Europe provides North Macedonia with an excellent opportunity to showcase its achievements in VET, exchange knowledge and experience with other Members, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of skills education across Europe. By joining the WorldSkills Europe family, North Macedonia reinforces its commitment to developing high-quality vocational education and training, supporting youth in acquiring the skills needed for the workforce of the future.

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With an unforgettable Parade of Nations, live music, and youthful energy, the ninth edition of the European Championship of Young Professionals was officially declared open this evening in Herning, Denmark (9 September 2025).

The centrepiece of the EuroSkills Herning 2025 Opening Ceremony was the Parade of Nations. This year almost 600 skilled young professionals from 32 countries proudly marched onto the stage at Jyske Bank Boxen Arena, cheered on by thousands of spectators. Team Leaders and Competitors from all participating nations each enjoyed their moment of celebration in front of an enthusiastic audience.

Over the coming days, these talented young people will compete for the chance to become Best in Europe in 38 different skills and trades.

During the evening, guests heard from Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, EuroSkills Herning 2025 Chairman, Mattias Tesfaye, Danish Minister of Children and Education, and Ben Blackledge, Chair of the Board of WorldSkills Europe.

In his opening address, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, Chairman of the EuroSkills Herning 2025 Board, said: “For the next three days, Herning will not only be an arena for competitions, it will be a stage, a stage where skills meet passion, where young dreams meet hard work. And where 600 of Europe’s most talented young people will show us what dedication really looks like.” 

Ben Blackledge, Chair of the Board of WorldSkills Europe, added: “Whether you are a Competitor, an Expert, a teacher, or a visitor, your presence here shows that vocational education and training is not just a pathway – it is a driver of innovation, inclusion, and resilience. The skills you demonstrate in Herning this week are the same skills that will help Europe create more accessible workplaces, and design solutions for a sustainable future.”

Ceremony highlights

In addition to the spectacular Parade of Nations, Ceremony hosts Josefine Høgh and Christian Degn set the tone for the Competition by focusing on the people at the heart of the event. Throughout the evening, they spoke to Competitors, preparing to begin their contests the following day, and with the Experts who had guided and supported them throughout the past years, giving the audience an insight into the excitement and anticipation among the participating teams.

Audiences were also treated to a welcome video from the setup days, shining a spotlight on the dedication of Experts, the Secretariat, volunteers, technical staff, Sponsors, and all those whose hard work makes the event possible.

Continuing the celebrations, the stage came alive with a performance by Danish pop artist Malte Ebert, known for his heartfelt songwriting and uplifting live shows.

An important part of the evening was the taking of the Competitors’ and Experts’ Oaths. Four representatives stepped forward to deliver the pledge in their native language: Experts from Serbia and Luxembourg, and Competitors from Denmark and Finland. Together, they embodied the spirit of unity, respect, and excellence at the heart of EuroSkills. 

What is EuroSkills?

Held every two years and organised by WorldSkills Europe together with 33 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 526 WorldSkills Europe Experts from industry and education are accompanying the Competitors at EuroSkills Herning 2025 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 Herning 2025 is open to the public and admission-free.

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 12 ‘Try-a-Skill’ areas featured throughout the Competition halls.

Photos

All official photos from the Opening Ceremony are available to view and download on WorldSkills Europe’s SmugMug photo library.

Let the games begin

EuroSkills Herning 2025 begins tomorrow (10 September 2025) at the MCH, Messecenter Herning. The Competition runs over three days, ending on 12 September.

The event will conclude with a Closing Ceremony at the Jyske Bank Boxen, on 13 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 38 skill competitions.

For more information about EuroSkills Herning 2025, visit https://euroskills2025.com/.

EuroSkills Herning 2025 was organised by WorldSkills Europe in partnership with the Ministry of Children and Education of Denmark, Herning Municipality, the Central Jutland Region, WorldSkills Denmark, and the country’s leading employer and labour organisations.

EuroSkills in Denmark

It has been many years since the WorldSkills movement arose out of the need for more skilled workers and the development of their skills. The shortage of skilled workers is once again significant and threatens our welfare. The reasons today might be different – but the agenda is still the same. At the same time, we now face another challenge, the climate crisis.

The movement to raise the profile and recognition of skilled people and showcase the importance of skills must therefore be kept alive and carried on through community and efforts across national borders. And this time, with strength and self-confidence, to also carry the ambition that vocational education and training can help us rise to the global challenge of creating a sustainable future for our planet.

Our goal is that, in 2025, Denmark will host the most ambitious and modern EuroSkills Competition ever for WorldSkills Europe Member Countries, ensuring the best conditions for the young people competing and to convey a spirit of ambition, professionalism and competition in a way that inspires everyone who visits the event.

Skills competitions have been around since the 1950s. Now, Denmark has been given the honour and the responsibility to carry the torch forward in Europe, leading the way towards more sustainable competitions – taking a stance for both the future of our planet and for the next skilled generations who will help shape it.

An international conference and a youth skills promotion programme will complement the week-long biennial meeting.

WorldSkills Croatia is preparing to host WorldSkills General Assembly 2025 in Dubrovnik from 12 to 17 October. WorldSkills Member delegates and supporting staff, representatives from WorldSkills Global Partners, as well as the Board and Secretariat of WorldSkills International will gather to make key decisions on the future of the movement. Over 400 attendees are expected.

WorldSkills Croatia won the right to host the event during the previous General Assembly, held in Dublin, Ireland, in September 2023. The country is implementing the largest reform of its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system and plans to launch more than 140 new curricula for secondary vocational schools in September 2025. Hosting the General Assembly is an opportunity for the country to showcase its approach globally and raise its profile at home.

“Hosting the WorldSkills General Assembly 2025 comes at a pivotal moment for Croatia, as we undertake the most ambitious TVET reform in our modern history. With over 140 new curricula being introduced and record-high interest in vocational schools, this event is a chance to showcase our progress on a global stage. We are proud to welcome the world’s TVET leaders to Dubrovnik and contribute to shaping the future of skills development,” said Nino Buić, Official Delegate to WorldSkills for Croatia.

The General Assembly will bring together the WorldSkills movement to advance Vision 2035. The week-long event features various meetings, including sessions of the Competitions Committee and the Strategic Development Committee, consultations with Global Partners, and a range of other meetings and working groups.

WorldSkills Croatia will also host two side events – a public skills awareness initiative and an international conference – widening the impact of the event beyond the General Assembly attendees.

The skills promotion event is aimed at students in primary school and the wider public. The event is being organised with local authorities, 11 TVET schools that will showcase their provision and skills, and the WorldSkills Champions Trust will share their personal stories to inspire more young people to pursue careers in TVET.

WorldSkills Croatia Conference 2025

Scheduled to take place during the second day of the General Assembly, on 14 October, WorldSkills Croatia Conference 2025 will gather top European and global TVET leaders and experts to discuss how TVET can drive innovation, workforce resilience, and economic transformation in an era of rapid change.

Under the theme ‘Skills (r)evolution – Empowering the future with skills development and TVET’, the event will explore challenges in skills development, their role in advancing sustainability, and the impact of AI and digitalisation on the future workforce.

While official registration for WorldSkills Croatia Conference 2025 is closed, expressions of interest are currently being gathered and assessed on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about the sessions and speakers on the WorldSkills General Assembly 2025 website.

With just one month to go, final preparations are underway, and anticipation is building across Europe for EuroSkills Herning 2025, which will take place from 9 to 13 September in the city of Herning, Denmark. 

The ninth edition of the European Championship of Young Professionals is set to become the largest and most dynamic EuroSkills Competition yet, gathering young people, industry experts, educators, business leaders and policymakers who share a belief in the power of skills to change lives and drive progress.

A competition on a scale never seen before

EuroSkills Herning 2025 is already setting new records in terms of scale, participation and ambition. Nearly 600 young professionals under the age of 25 representing WorldSkills Europe’s Member Countries will compete for the title of Best in Europe in their chosen skill. These Competitors have been selected through rigorous national qualification processes and represent the very best of Europe’s vocational and technical talent.

The Competition will be hosted at MCH Messecenter Herning, one of Scandinavia’s largest and most modern exhibition venues, spanning 110,000 square metres. Over the course of three competition days, from 10 to 12 September, almost 600 Competitors will take part in 38 official skills competitions across a broad spectrum of sectors including construction, manufacturing, fashion, ICT, hospitality, health and more. The host country Denmark will also feature one additional Host Presentation Skill: Concrete Construction.

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to attend the event, including students, teachers, trainers, employers, policymakers and members of the public. Alongside the competitions, visitors will be invited to participate in engaging career-related activities such as Try-a-Skill zones, where they can experience practical tasks and learn about the career paths associated with each skill. The Skills Village will offer spaces for discussion, connection and inspiration, making the event a unique opportunity to explore the world of vocational education and training.

Join us on the Sustainability Trail

The theme of EuroSkills Herning 2025 is Skilled for a Greener Future. As Europe accelerates its transition toward climate neutrality and digital innovation, the role of technical and vocational education and training is more important than ever. The Competition will highlight how skilled professionals contribute to sustainability, innovation and resilience across all areas of the economy.

From environmentally responsible building practices to clean technologies, the Competitors will showcase the real-world impact of practical expertise. Their skills and commitment not only support strong labour markets but also play a key role in delivering Europe’s green ambitions.

As part of this focus, EuroSkills Herning 2025 will feature a Sustainability Trail – an on-site initiative that guides visitors through selected stands and competitions showcasing sustainability in action across different industries. Developed in collaboration with partners and exhibitors, the Trail will offer insights into how skills are shaping a more sustainable future – one innovation at a time.

A celebration of excellence

The official Opening Ceremony will take place on 9 September and will bring together all national teams, officials and partners in a spectacular welcome to Herning. The event will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on 13 September, where medals will be awarded for Gold, Silver and Bronze, along with Best of Nation awards and the prestigious Jos de Goey Best in Europe Award, presented to the Competitor with the highest overall score.

Join the skills movement

Whether you are a Competitor, an Expert, a teacher, an industry representative or simply someone who values the future of Europe’s skilled workforce, you are invited to be part of this unforgettable event.

For full event details visit www.euroskills2025.com and follow us on our social media for more insights.

About EuroSkills 2025

EuroSkills Herning 2025 is organised by WorldSkills Europe in partnership with the Ministry of Children and Education of Denmark, Herning Municipality, the Central Jutland Region, WorldSkills Denmark, and the country’s leading employer and labour organisations. The event will shine a spotlight on the power of skills to shape the future of Europe’s economies, industries and communities.

EuroSkills Herning 2025 is shining a spotlight on the skilled young professionals shaping Europe’s greener future – one story at a time.

The city of Herning in Denmark is preparing to welcome nearly 600 skilled young professionals from 33 European countries to participate in 38 different skill competitions at EuroSkills Herning 2025, the ninth edition of the European Championship of Young Professionals.

Skilled for a greener future

As Europe accelerates efforts to build a more sustainable, climate-resilient future, the role of technical and vocational education and training has never been more critical. 

EuroSkills Herning 2025 will shine a light on the essential contribution that skilled young professionals make to our societies, not only in building strong economies and inclusive communities, but also in advancing the green transition through innovation, craftsmanship, and care.

Postcards from Europe

Building on the theme of EuroSkills Herning 2025 – ‘Skilled for a greener future’ – the Postcards from Europe campaign showcases the skilled young people who will compete in Herning this September. Each ‘postcard’ offers an insight into how the Competitor became skilled, how their professions are contributing to a greener future, and what they hope to achieve, both at EuroSkills Herning 2025 and in their careers.

The campaign aims to promote the value of skills, sustainability, and international collaboration across Europe.

Postcards from Greece, Sweden, France, Belgium, Finland, Switzerland, the UK and Denmark, have already been published on WorldSkills Europe and EuroSkills Herning 2025’s social media channels, offering a snapshot of the skills, ambitions, and personalities that make up the European skills community. Stay tuned for more postcards throughout August and September. 

About EuroSkills Herning 2025

EuroSkills Herning 2025 will take place from 9–13 September 2025 in Herning, Denmark, at MCH Messecenter Herning – one of Scandinavia’s largest exhibition venues. The event will feature 38 official skills competitions, representing a wide spectrum of industries, such as construction, technology, health, hospitality, and the creative industries.

Tens of thousands of visitors from across Europe are expected to attend the event, which also includes career guidance activities and hands-on ‘try-a-skill’ experiences designed to inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.

WorldSkills joined celebrations in Paris, New York, and Shanghai for the tenth anniversary of World Youth Skills Day.

This month saw a major milestone for the global skills movement, with 15 July 2025 being the tenth anniversary of World Youth Skills Day, an international day recognised by the United Nations highlighting the importance of equipping young people with the vocational and technical education to transform the world.

As WorldSkills prepares for the 48^th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, World Youth Skills Day marked the announcement of megastar actor and singer Xiao Zhan as a WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Ambassador; a moment that was met with excitement by young people around the world with hundreds of millions of social media views and online engagement.

This announcement marked the official launch of a new wave of promotional campaigns under the theme “Youth Powering WorldSkills.” As the countdown to the next WorldSkills Competition continues, the Organising Committee will invite more influential public figures to join in raising awareness, inspiring young people to embrace skills, and encouraging them to pursue excellence in vocational careers.

Simultaneously two events took place in Paris and New York, gathering influential leaders and advocates in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) educators, under the theme “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills.”

The decision to mark the tenth anniversary of World Youth Skills Day with a focus on AI reflected the rapid digitisation taking place in global industries and the urgent need for AI to be integrated effectively into TVET curricula. This digital divide was shown in data compiled by UNESCO, which revealed that currently less than 10% of schools and universities provide formal guidance on AI.

In Paris, UNESCO-UNEVOC hosted a high-level panel discussion at the Learning Planning Institute. The hybrid event opened with a keynote speech by H.E. António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, who stressed the importance of empowering a new generation with digital skills.

He said, “Digital education must be human-centred, nurturing not only technical ability, but also creativity, critical thinking, and compassion. As AI reshapes our world, young people must be seen not just as learners – but as co-creators of a fairer digital future.”

In preparation for the event, two members of WorldSkills Champions Trust were asked to take part in a Youth Skills Bootcamp. Shweta Ratanpura, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for Asia, and Nurit Davidowicz, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for Europe, joined a select group of young people from around the world to build hands-on digital skills, engage in peer-led sessions, and learn more about the emerging role of AI in TVET.

The bootcamp culminated in a youth panel discussion during the Paris event asking: “Is AI a tool for empowerment or a threat to human potential?” The panellists reframed AI as an enabler, sharing examples of how digital tools can open doors to new learning, greater accessibility, and more equitable futures.

During the discussion, Shweta reflected, “Now more than ever, we need educators who are not just teachers, but practitioners—well-versed in the latest tools, platforms, and skillsets. As AI reshapes job roles, the value of strong foundational and interpersonal skills also rises. It’s our teachers who will play a crucial role in preparing us not just for work, but for adaptability, empathy, and lifelong learning.”

Nurit added, “Building digital competence for students and teachers is important to pick up everybody and not leave anybody behind, to not take away job opportunities.”

The event in Paris also marked the fifth anniversary of the Global Skills Academy and used the milestone to launch a new Skills for the Future Platform which allows private sector partners and civil society organisations to share ideas that improve employability. Borhene Chakroun, Director for Policies and Lifelong Learning at UNESCO, described it as “a unique platform to advance inclusive partnerships and unlock the full potential of skills for the future.”

WorldSkills Board member for Strategic Development, Ray English, also took part in the celebrations, joining a policy and practice debate titled Skills Demand, Trends, and Institutional Readiness. While highlighting that WorldSkills is helping its Members modernise their TVET systems by shaping high-quality AI-ready learning models that align with the future of work, he stressed the need for building a global guidance strategy for both educators and students to ensure equity of opportunity.

At the same time, across the Atlantic, Audrey Norris, Champion from SkillsUSA represented WorldSkills at the World Youth Skills Day celebrations in New York. Hosted by UNESCO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) and held at the ILO Office for the United Nations, this event brought together global policymakers and youth advocates to explore the critical role of digital and AI skills in shaping inclusive, future-ready learning systems.

Audrey, who won a gold medal at the SkillsUSA Nationals 2022 in Interactive Application and Game Development, was part of an interactive panel discussion about the importance of digital literacy, from building foundational skills to employing more critical and ethical thinking in the way AI systems are developed.

At the event, Audrey told the panellists that many people of her generation are thinking about how AI will fit into their future. She shared her concerns, saying, “I believe if we turn to AI as our default for every problem and challenge then we stop learning. That has a cost. We risk sacrificing foundational skills for convenience.”

And she concluded, “As long as we understand that AI is not a substitute but a supplement to our learning and our continued growth, and as long as educational institutions provide the platform for critical thinking and ethical awareness, then my generation will be ready for anything.”

Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, World Youth Skills Day is the result of advocacy by WorldSkills International, and the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Portugal. In the decade since it was launched, it has become a global platform to recognise and invest in the power of skills for youth development and peace.

WorldSkills has been building up to this important celebration over the last month, using social content to amplify the voice of skilled youth. This included a countdown campaign by the WorldSkills Champions Trust representatives inviting young people around the world to “pass the mic” and combine their voices on the global stage for skills.

David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, recognised the importance of using World Youth Skills Day 2025 to tackle issues like AI. He says, “The events on Tuesday showed us the importance of bringing young people into conversations around the benefits and challenges of emerging technology in skills development. If we truly value our young workforce then we need to ensure that their opinions and their needs underpin our national and international TVET strategies.”

Learn more about World Youth Skills Day, or visit WorldSkills social platforms to see the highlights from both events.

Thirty teams of young skilled entrepreneurs from around the world have been selected to join the WorldSkills social innovation programme to turn their ideas into impact.

BeChangeMaker 2025 has officially announced the 30 teams selected to join this year’s edition of WorldSkills’ global social startup programme. These young innovators are taking part in three months of intensive training and mentorship designed to transform their ideas into meaningful, scalable solutions.

Powered by WorldSkills and the HP Foundation, and supported by UNESCO-UNEVOC, UNIDO, PEN Worldwide, and the Yunus Environment Hub, BeChangeMaker is a social entrepreneurship training programme designed to equip young people with the skills, tools, and networks to lead change in their communities and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Over the course of the programme, participants will benefit from HP LIFE’s curated e-learning resources on entrepreneurship, alongside dedicated coaching, expert mentoring, and access to a global network of potential supporters and investors. As part of their development, the teams will test and refine their business models through progressive online pitch competitions. The top five teams will be invited to present their final pitches at the WorldSkills General Assembly 2025, taking place in Dubrovnik, Croatia, this October.

Selected from more than 1,100 applications representing 117 countries, the 2025 participants bring a remarkable diversity of backgrounds and perspectives. Their projects tackle a wide range of pressing global issues ranging from waste management and healthcare to education and inclusion.

“Every year, participants of BeChangeMaker inspire us by applying their skills, creativity, and commitment to solve real-world problems,” said Grace Lung, Senior Manager of Partnership Programmes at WorldSkills. “This ninth edition of BeChangeMaker promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with new partners joining and strengthening the programme and a new cohort of teams offering fresh, bold ideas to create positive impact through their businesses.”

Of the 30 teams selected, three are from Europe:

·       AstMask, Denmark – Child-friendly asthma mask that simplifies inhaler use

·       DIGITAL GOOD, Portugal – Gamified solution for ethical usage of AI

·       RTNZero.Ai, United Kingdom – AI-powered net-zero transition for MSMEs, starting with foodservice

Below are the BeChangeMaker 2025 teams:

1.     Open Mandate (Mandato Aberto), Brazil – AI-based platform aimed at increasing political literacy

2.     Magic Hands, Brazil – Learning app for hearing impaired people.

3.     EKCOLAB, Cameroon – Emergency system that helps track waterborne diseases in Africa.

4.     Youth Re:Linked, Canada – Empowering communities to thrive through culture, care, and local leadership

5.     Selva, Colombia – Transforming gynecological care with precise, low-cost diagnostic tools.

6.     AstMask, Denmark – Child-friendly asthma mask that simplifies inhaler use.

7.     ADAPTIVA, Dominican Republic – Blueprint for creation of safer, more resilient, and equitable cities.

8.     Glovatrix, India – AI powered sign language interpreter.

9.     Grailmaker Innovations, India – Smartphone based accessibility for visually impaired people.

10.   PaperPods, Indonesia – Creating seed-embedded paper from waste crafted by retired Balinese women

11.   TARUNIRA, Indonesia – Transforming palmyra sap into diabetic-friendly palmyra sugar and zero-waste products

12.   Raise your Sound, Kenya – Equipping the youth with both digital and AI skills.

13.   Twende Green Ecocycle, Kenya – Transforming plastic waste into eco-friendly school furniture.

14.   Va-Nano, Mexico – Turning banana waste into a biodegradable alternative to plastic.

15.   PaperPath, Morocco – Delivering offline access to administrative information through visuals and voice.

16.   TORIYA KIDS, Morocco – Safe and educational platform that delivers content tailored to children’s needs.

17.   ReGen, Nepal – Climate-aware and action-oriented learning kits for children.

18.   DonorX, Nigeria – Web-based comprehensive voluntary blood donor platform.

19.   SpaceKuna, Peru – Platform empowering youth with skills in space science, bio-innovation, and sustainability.

20.   DIGITAL GOOD, Portugal – Gamified solution for ethical usage of AI.

21.   TechGyant, Rwanda – Empowering African innovation with AI-driven storytelling for global reach.

22.   AlgaeAquaCult, Chinese Taipei – Turning aquaculture waste into useful, eco-friendly resources.

23.   Aether, Chinese Taipei – Innovative water collecting system that harnesses nature to help combat water scarcity.

24.   Why Waste, Thailand – Responsible waste management through compostable packaging and waste collection systems.

25.   The Hive Builders, Tunisia – Empowering responsible travel through carbon tracking, local engagement, and tree planting.

26.   IDDA (Innovation and Digital Development Association), Turkey – Hands-on solar STEAM education preparing students for green energy futures.

27.   RTNZero.Ai, United Kingdom – AI-powered net-zero transition for MSMEs, starting with foodservice.

28.   EduGoals ai, United States – AI coach helping underserved rural students with their exams.

29.   Spooning, Vietnam – Fighting food waste by linking restaurants with charitable organizations.

30.   Dynapath, Vietnam – Piezoelectric tiles generating clean energy from footsteps, reducing emissions, and costs.

To find out more about the programme and to follow the teams’ progress, visit: https://worldskills.org/what/projects/bechangemaker/2025/programme/

WorldSkills Europe and Divers have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote diversity and inclusion within the WorldSkills Europe community. (L-R) Nina Groes, Director and Founder of Divérs; Henrik Kjeldsen, EuroSkills Herning 2025 CEO; and Laurence Gates, WorldSkills Europe CEO

WorldSkills Europe and Danish diversity and inclusion foundation, Divérs, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a framework of cooperation to promote diversity and inclusion throughout the skills movement in Europe. The signing took place on 3 June 2025 in Copenhagen.

Increasing female participation in TVET

The collaboration between WorldSkills Europe and Divérs aims to tackle gender imbalances and encourage more women to pursue technical and vocational education pathways, driving a more inclusive and diverse WorldSkills movement within Europe.

WorldSkills Europe and Divérs will work together to promote awareness of potential barriers, particularly in areas where women are underrepresented, track progress in female participation, identify areas for improvement, and share best practice within the WorldSkills Europe community.

Laurence Gates, WorldSkills Europe CEO, explained the significance of this partnership:

“WorldSkills Europe’s collaboration with Divérs will help lay the groundwork to attract and retain more female talent within the WorldSkills community across Europe. Closing the gender gap is essential if we are to unlock the full potential of the skills movement and ensure we have inspiring female role models for future generations.”

Nina Groes, Director and Founder of Divérs, added:

“We look forward to working ambitiously with WorldSkills Europe to improve the gender balance within the skills movement. We know that, today, within technical and vocational education and training, we have far too few women who participate in skills competitions across Europe. We want female talent to be part of history, part of the skills movement and part of the community.”

EuroSkills Herning 2025

From 9–13 September 2025, the city of Herning in Denmark will host Europe’s biggest vocational education and skills excellence event, bringing together around 600 talented young professionals under the age of 25, representing 33 WorldSkills Europe Member Countries, to compete for the title of Best in Europe in their chosen skill.

Thanks to a 17 million DKK (2.28 million Euros) grant from the Villum Foundation, EuroSkills Herning 2025 and Divérs are working together to improve diversity and inclusion, building upon methods from the Boss Ladies project, Divérs’ core project since 2018.

This includes establishing a European network of female Ambassadors from different technical vocational fields who will serve as role models for young women in their home countries, as well as activities during EuroSkills Herning 2025.

For more information about EuroSkills Herning 2025, visit: https://euroskills2025.com

When Europe’s most talented young skilled professionals gather in Herning for EuroSkills 2025 this September, the city will also become a political focal point as EU ministers responsible for vocational education and training (VET) meet for an informal summit.

As part of Denmark’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Minister for Children and Education, Mattias Tesfaye, has invited his European counterparts to Herning on 11–12 September to discuss the future of skilled labour across Europe.

“I am excited to welcome EuroSkills to Denmark for the first time. It’s a major competition that celebrates the young people who excel in their trades—and it demonstrates the value of vocational education. Hosting a meeting with my EU colleagues alongside EuroSkills is a natural fit. It gives us the opportunity to discuss how we can make VET even more attractive across Europe,” says Mattias Tesfaye.

The meeting will be held at MCH Herning Kongrescenter, right next to the EuroSkills 2025 venue, and aims to highlight the crucial role of vocational education and training in Europe.

Ministers to visit the Competition

On Friday 12 September, the EU ministers will visit the EuroSkills 2025 competitions. Here, they will witness 600 of Europe’s most talented young skilled professionals competing live.

This is a moment of pride for Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, Chair of EuroSkills Herning 2025:

“EuroSkills is, in itself, the most important summit for young vocational athletes across Europe. It’s a unique event that generates political awareness of the value and quality of vocational education – not only in Denmark, but throughout Europe. Holding a European ministerial meeting in Herning at the same time as EuroSkills 2025 is historic. From here, a united European message will be sent: Skilled professionals are key to Europe’s future,” he says.

Looking to the Future

The ministers’ visit is the result of a collaboration between the Danish Ministry of Children and Education and EuroSkills Herning 2025.

On the agenda for the informal meeting is how to make vocational education and training more attractive, as it is seen as a vital part of the solution to the EU’s growing labour and skills shortages. Special attention will be given to skills and strategies for the green and digital transitions.

For more information about EuroSkills Herning 2025, visit: www.euroskills2025.com.