World Youth Skills Day (15 July) is an annual awareness day, conceived in 2014 by the United Nations General Assembly as a way to celebrate the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
Held in Bonn, Germany and livestreamed online on Friday, 14 July, the event welcomed a panel of young professionals who discussed the findings of WorldSkills International’s recent “youth aspirations” survey, and considered ideas about how teaching and learning processes could be optimized to prepare young people for a changing labour market.
A second focus group then reflected on UNESCO’s Global Skills Academy and its work to scale up youth skills development as well as what more can be done to build employability, entrepreneurship, and resilience among young people.
Watch the recording of the event below
The youth panel was introduced by Stephanie Werth, Head of Communication and Public Relations, WorldSkills Germany, and moderated by Priscilla Wanjiku Gatonye, Programme Officer for Inclusion and Youth, UNESCO-UNEVOC. Panelists included:
Maike Füller, a glass construction apprentice from Germany
Barry Mamadou, a gastronomy apprentice from Guinea
Aswatha Narayana, a WorldSkills Champion in Water Technology (WorldSkills Competition 2019), from India
Roman Steinhart, a EuroSkills (2021) and WorldSkills (2022) Champion in IT Network Systems Administration from Germany
Florian Zimmer, an ICT Specialist who will represent Team Germany at EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023.
For more information about the WorldSkills-UNESCO-UNEVOC event for World Youth Skills Day 2023, please visit: unevoc.unesco.org/wysd.
WorldSkills UK has announced the appointment of Ben Blackledge as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Ben Blackledge, who was previously interim CEO at WorldSkills UK, will take full responsibility for the leadership and development of the charity immediately.
WorldSkills UK is a four nations partnership between employers, education and governments. It raises standards in apprenticeships and technical education through international benchmarking and professional development, champions future skills and empowers young people, from all backgrounds, through competition-based training and careers advocacy. It is the government’s representative at WorldSkills Europe and WorldSkills International.
The board of trustees of WorldSkills UK made the appointment following an open and competitive recruitment process which was managed by executive recruitment agency Starfish Search.
Blackledge brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked across of range of policy positions in the UK government before joining WorldSkills UK in 2014 and becoming Deputy CEO in 2019. Blackledge was elected to the board of WorldSkills Europe in 2021 and also sits on the WorldSkills International Competition Working Group, ensuring the UK is at the forefront of global developments in skills training. He is also an independent member of the UK’s Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s (IFATE’s) Assessment panel.
Chair of the WorldSkills UK Board, Marion Plant OBE, FCGI said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ben to the role of Chief Executive at WorldSkills UK. Ben has demonstrated his excellent leadership skills, vision and drive for WorldSkills UK and has impressed the Board with the impact he has made over the last few months. We look forward to working with him and supporting him as he leads the organisation, ensuring it continues to deliver for education, business and young people.”
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive Officer, WorldSkills UK said: “I’m delighted to take on the role of CEO at WorldSkills UK. I believe deeply in the work we do and the impact and potential of the sector we support, so it is an absolute pleasure to be able to lead the organisation into what is an exciting future. We will continue to focus on driving the development of high-quality technical and professional skills to an international standard to help meet the needs of business, to attract investment, and to create more life changing opportunities for young people.
“I am looking forward to working with the board, our staff and our partners across the UK to build on the innovation of the last few years and to continue to champion the UK skills sector,” added Blackledge.
Journalists, producers, press photographers, videographers, and official media representatives are invited to register to attend the EuroSkills Competition 2023.
WorldSkills Europe is excited to announce that Media Registrations have officially opened for EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023, the eighth edition of the biennial European Championship of Young Professionals.
Scheduled for 5 to 9 September 2023, EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 will welcome 600 talented young people from 32 countries to showcase their skills and compete for the chance to become ‘Best in Europe’ in more than 40 different trades and professions. Around 100,000 visitors from across Poland and abroad are expected to attend to cheer on the teams.
Gdańsk will become a city of stories, welcoming not only hundreds of 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.
The ultimate aim of EuroSkills is to help prepare the workforce and talent of today for the jobs of the future.
Media Registration Portal
The presence of the press and media is fundamental to the success and the empowering message of the WorldSkills movement. All media personnel that wish to attend EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 are required to register for Media Accreditation through the online registration system at the link below:
The purpose of Media Accreditation is to ensure that all journalists, photographers, film crews, and other official media representatives are provided with the appropriate level of accreditation required to access all relevant locations and services available to media.
Further information about the Competition and the media facilities and services offered are detailed in the EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 Media Guide.
Media Accreditation includes access to the Competition Venue (AmberExpo Exhibition and Congress Centre, Gdańsk), including Media Centre, Press Conference Room, Green Rooms, and Ceremonies Venue (Polsat Plus Arena, Gdańsk), as well as the opportunity to request media spots and back-stage access at Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Accredited media will also be invited to the official Competition Opening Press Conference on the first day of the Competition (6 September), the 6th International Congress on Education and Training (7 September), and to other media briefings that will be scheduled during the event.
WorldSkills Europe and EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 are looking forward to welcoming many media representatives to this eighth edition of EuroSkills – the first Competition to be hosted by Poland.
We promise to keep the media busy, informed, and entertained, from the Opening and Closing Ceremonies to the 6th International Congress on Education and Training, and, of course, during three action packed days of skill competitions.
A spectacular showcase of the most talented young professionals
For a taster of what to expect at EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023, take a look at the promotional trailer below.
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.
Around 500 WorldSkills Europe Experts from industry and education accompany the Competitors at EuroSkills. The Experts work with the Competitors for up to two years in advance of the event, providing additional training to ensure the young people have the skills and techniques needed to perform to a world-class level of excellence.
The WorldSkills Europe Experts are also responsible for creating the test projects, which are each designed according to the highest industry-specific occupational standards.
Around 100,000 visitors from across Poland and abroad are expected to attend EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023. Visitors will be able to watch the young professionals showcasing their skills live as well as having an opportunity to try hands-on job-related skills at the ‘Try-a-Skill’ demonstrations that will be featured throughout the Competition halls.
Schedule of events
EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 will kick-off with an Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, 5 September, followed by three days of competitions, and concluding with a dazzling Closing Ceremony on 9 September, where awards including Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and Medallions for Excellence 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.
United By Skills, We Can Change The World
An important landmark in Poland’s modern history, associated with solidarity and freedom, the city of Gdańsk is the host city of EuroSkills 2023.
The Competition will be an unprecedented event for Poland, bringing together the industrial, social, and education sectors.
Poland has been a WorldSkills Europe Member Country since 2017, and a WorldSkills International Member since 2018.
“The Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE) – WorldSkills Poland nodal organisation – has worked on broadening skills acquisition in formal, non-formal and informal education settings over the past three decades,” said Paweł Poszytek, WorldSkills Poland Official Delegate and General Director of the Foundation for the Development of the Education System.
“This extensive experience made us eligible to organise such a large and complex event in just a short space of time,” added Poszytek.
Such a huge challenge can only be achieved through the united effort of Sponsors, Partners, supporters, WorldSkills Europe Members, industries, governments, volunteers, educational institutions, and young people,” said Teija Ripattila, Chair of the Board, WorldSkills Europe.
“That is one of the reasons why the theme for EuroSkills 2023 is ‘United By Skills’. We must be united like never before. United as a community and united as an inspiring movement that changes the lives of young people. United by skills, we can change the world,” Ripattila added.
Are you ready for the biggest vocational education and skills excellence event in Europe?
In just under 10 weeks, 600 talented young professionals from 32 countries will compete to become the Best in Europe in more than 40 different skills and trades.
Scheduled for 5 to 9 September 2023, EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 is the eighth edition of the biennial EuroSkills Competition, and the first to be hosted in Poland.
For a taster of what visitors and participants can expect from this spectacular showcase of professional skills, take a look at the new promotional trailer below, which has been released to mark the final 10-week countdown to the event.
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.
Around 500 WorldSkills Europe Experts from industry and education accompany the Competitors at EuroSkills. The Experts work with the Competitors for up to two years in advance of the event, providing additional training to ensure they 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. The ultimate aim of EuroSkills Competitions is to help prepare the workforce and talent of today for the jobs of the future.
Around 100,000 visitors from across Poland and abroad are expected to attend EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023, which will be staged at AmberExpo Gdańsk and Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk.
Visitors will be able to watch the young professionals showcasing their skills live as well as having an opportunity to try hands-on job-related skills at the ‘Try-a-Skill’ demonstrations that will be featured throughout the Competition halls.
EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 will begin with an Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, 5 September, followed by three days of competitions, before concluding with a dazzling Closing Ceremony on 9 September, where awards including Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and Medallions for Excellence 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.
Supporters, students, schools, and members of the public are all invited to visit the free-to-attend EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 Competition by registering online at euroskills2023.org/register-now.
WorldSkills Luxembourg has submitted a bid to host the WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2024.
The bid underlines Luxembourg’s continued 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 presented a joint bid with Germany to co-host the tenth EuroSkills Competition in Düsseldorf in 2027, which was accepted by unanimous vote by WorldSkills Europe 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’s bid to host the WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2024 further highlights its already significant commitment to improving our world through the provision of world-class training and standards in professional skills,” said Teija Ripattila, Chair of the Board of WorldSkills Europe.
“WorldSkills Luxembourg has prepared an excellent proposal for a General Assembly that would contribute significantly to the development of their organisation on a national level and to the ongoing positive impact of the WorldSkills movement in Europe,” added Ripattila.
Luxembourg’s proposed events to be integrated as part of the General Assembly 2024 programme would include participation from the Luxembourgish Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, which would 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: “Hosting the WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2024 would not only be a great honour, but also an excellent opportunity to showcase WorldSkills Luxembourg’s enthusiasm and devotion to contribute to the WorldSkills movement. We would like to use the momentum we have gathered on the road to EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027 and welcome Delegates from all Member countries to show them our beautiful country and what it can achieve. We are ready to assume our responsibility and work together to achieve our common goals.”
Luxembourg’s proposed location for the General Assembly 2024 is in the Kirchberg area of Luxembourg City, which 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 (pictured below), 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.
WorldSkills Luxembourg will present its bid to host the General Assembly 2024 to Delegates representing all 32 Member countries of WorldSkills Europe during the General Assembly 2023, which will take place on Wednesday 6 September 2023 at AmberExpo Gdańsk in Poland (during EuroSkills Competition 2023). Members will then vote on the bid and details of the outcome will be posted on the WorldSkills Europe website after all votes have been cast, counted, and verified.
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, Marketing and Communications Officers, and WorldSkills Europe Sponsors and Partners.
The Philharmonie Luxembourg, also known officially as the Grande-Duchesse Joséphine-Charlotte Concert Hall.
About WorldSkills Luxembourg
WorldSkills Luxembourg’s mission is to promote vocational training for young people through national, European and global competitions. To do this, WorldSkills Luxembourg works with experts from industry and education to find young talented professionals and trainees who are motivated to compete and aim for excellence. The young professionals compete against each other and showcase their skills to the public. In doing so, the Competitors demonstrate the importance of competitiveness in vocational skills and convey a positive message about technical and vocational education and training.
As part of its ongoing programme of activities, WorldSkills Luxembourg organises the National Skills Competition, LuxSkills, and selects and trains the most skilled Competitors to participate in the international skills competitions, EuroSkills and WorldSkills.
Find out more about WorldSkills Luxembourg at: worldskills.lu.
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”.
Featured image at top of page: Team Luxembourg Competitors at the EuroSkills Graz 2021 Opening Ceremony, 22 September 2021. Copyright EuroSkills 2021 / Hans Oberlaender.
WorldSkills Europe is pleased to announce that GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, has become the newest Premium Sponsor.
GROHE first became a supporter of the WorldSkills movement in the lead up to WorldSkills Kazan 2019, which saw the company organise the Plumbing and Heating competition. They became a Global Industry Partner of WorldSkills International in April 2022, and for the WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition, GROHE opened its production site and training centre in Lahr, Germany to host the Plumbing and Heating competition.
Teija Ripattila, Chair of the Board, WorldSkills Europe, said: “We are excited to welcome GROHE as a Premium Sponsor of WorldSkills Europe, which represents another milestone in GROHE’s already impressive track-record of raising the profile, abilities, economic prospects of young people. GROHE’s support of WorldSkills Europe will be invaluable in helping us prepare young talent in the sanitary industry for their future careers.”
Since 2014 GROHE has been part of the brand portfolio of LIXIL, a manufacturer of pioneering water and housing products. Through GROHE’s GIVE Program (GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education), the company supports plumbing schools in creating a uniformed approach, with modern equipment, training material, and a written and practical examination that sets new industry standards for installers.
“Installers are the backbone of the sanitary industry, said Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA. “For us, as one of the industry leaders, it is a matter of course to take action and encourage young skilled plumbing professionals. We do not only need to equip trainees with the right skills, we need to get people excited about this profession. They can have a real impact on today’s and tomorrow’s society,” he added.
Tom York, Director of Marketing and Communications, WorldSkills Europe (left), Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA (centre) and Timo Kurz, Leader GIVE Program and WorldSkills, LIXIL EMENA (right), sign the official WorldSkills Europe / GROHE Sponsorship Agreement at the GROHE X Professional Event in Lisbon on 1 June 2023.
GROHE’s collaboration with WorldSkills Europe is already fully in motion – the company will support the Plumbing and Heating competition at EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 in September. And as a Global Industry Partner of WorldSkills, GROHE will provide the same support for WorldSkills Lyon 2024.
“Partnering with WorldSkills International and WorldSkills Europe enables us to reach new talent,” said Timo Kurz, Leader GIVE Program and WorldSkills, LIXIL EMENA. “Through competitions and promotional activities, we want to inspire young people to develop a passion for skills and pursuing excellence,” he added.
EuroSkills and WorldSkills Champions in Plumbing and Heating pose with WorldSkills Europe’s Tom York (left), LIXIL Leader EMENA, Jonas Brenwald (centre) and Timo Kurz, Leader GIVE Program and WorldSkills, LIXIL EMENA (second from right) and others at the GROHE X Professional Event in Lisbon on 1 June 2023.
Plumbing and Heating Competitors and Experts at the WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition, which GROHE held at its production site and training centre in Lahr, Germany, on 2–4 November 2022.
GROHE joins five 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. Learn more about our WorldSkills Europe Sponsors.
WorldSkills celebrates the collective power of skills and encourages more people to join our global skills movement.
The WorldSkills movement is shining a light on the many voices and faces among our community with the launch of a new campaign called #WeAreWorldSkills. It tells the story of the impact we are having beyond competitions, and our vision to share the benefits of skill development with the world.
Launched with a flagship film, “We are WorldSkills” is about the achievements of all those involved in WorldSkills Competitions, events, and training. It acknowledges the people who are working hard to create new opportunities through skills excellence, and it highlights the life-changing benefits that vocational skills can offer.
Alongside the film, a series of impact stories will be released over the next 12 months that will bring to life the experiences of Competitors, Experts, Partners, and Members. These stories represent the many varied individuals and initiatives across the organisation, and those key areas where WorldSkills is having impact.
It will include stories like WorldSkills Korea which has taken a “pay it back” approach to knowledge sharing through its Global Institution For Transferring Skills. Or SkillsUSA, whose research is proving how its curriculum is giving young Americans a greater advantage in the workplace. It tells the story of Krisjanis Jurans whose WorldSkills journey has seen him grow from Competitor or Expert and build new levels of confidence. Also, WorldSkills Costa Rica which is helping young people challenge traditional career pathways while also helping the nation value skills more. There are many more.
The #WeAreWorldSkills campaign builds on the work of a global impact programme which launched in 2021 with WorldSkills Global Impact Survey, quickly followed by the launch of WorldSkills first impact report. Further work is underway to improve how we measure, articulate and share evidence of real-world impact of the organisation. #We are WorldSkills” is there to remind everyone that change is happening now and, while we may be individuals around the world, we are stronger when we bring our expertise, skills, and energy together.
This was never more apparent than during the unique event that was WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition. Shawna Bourke, Director of Marketing and Communications, believes that the challenges over the last few years have brought to light even more evidence of how we are stronger, together. She says, “At WorldSkills, everyone is valuable. Whatever the size of your country or region, your contribution or investment, you are important because you believe in the power of skills. That’s why we want everyone to join us in saying #WeAreWorldSkills because it is this collective energy that will give our skills movement even more momentum.”
“#WeAreWorldSkills also extends a warm invitation to those who are not yet part of its community. Using a series of emotive calls to action such as “thrive with us”, “excel with us” or ‘dream with us”, the campaign speaks to all those who can benefit from skills. It is for those students with career aspirations; the parents wanting to know how to support their child in the future; companies looking to upskill its workforce; educators wanting to be better trainers or teachers; or governments looking to close the skills gap and develop their economies,” added Ms Bourke
“Essentially, #WeAreWorldSkills” is about celebration and mobilisation. It is a platform for the people that are making a difference and making change happen. And it is a rallying cry for those who we want to come with us to share in the community and share in the impact. You can read the impact stories and add your own voice to the conversation. Because by spreading the word about the impact we are having, then more people will be able to say, with pride, “We are WorldSkills”.
The French city of Metz welcomed skilled youth with disabilities for the 10th International Abilympics Competition.
The 10th International Abilympics Competition took place in Metz, France from 23 to 25 March 2023. More than 400 young professionals with different types of disabilities competed in 44 skill competitions. The international championship was organised alongside WorldSkills France finals for the Grand Est region. More than 50,000 people visited or took part in the different initiatives and events, including a career orientation fair, conferences, and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Coming from 27 countries representing every continent, the participants demonstrated their skills in eight categories:
Food and Servicing
Communications and Information Technology
Personal Services
Automobile Technology
Industrial Technologies
Construction Trades
Gardening
Craftmanship
Abilympics France association organised the international Abilympics Competition for the second time in a row with the previous edition held in the city of Bordeaux in 2016.
A combination of the word abilities and Olympics, the Abilympics is held every four years and aims to provide a platform where young people with disabilities can demonstrate that their disabilities are not an obstacle to professional excellence.
Referring to the joint organisation of the Grand East regional finals and Abilympics, Noël Roger, President of Abilympics France, pointed out that it was “a way to further confirm our common desire for inclusion.”
Cloé Lemaréchal: first Abilympics Competitors and Champions Trust representative
Recently selected to represent the WorldSkills Champions Trust for 2023 to 2024, Cloé Lemaréchal (pictured) was part of the French Abilymics team in Metz, and won gold in the skill of Fashion Technology.
“Today my journey is proof that anything is possible, that visible or invisible disability is one of the greatest strengths of a Competitor. The word disability is complex in society, but it must be normalised and spoken about,” said Cloé. “Disability does not prevent us from doing everything. There are certain areas of our professions, skills such as creativity, instinct, or decision-making at which we excel. Abilympics makes it possible to highlight these skills and put the issue of inclusion in today’s society in the spotlight, highlighting the authenticity of every individual.”
A memorable Closing Ceremony took place at Arènes de Metz on 25 March. Presented by Joe Cacchione, a Montrealer who is a school principal by day, and a comedian by night, and Louise Ekland, a British television presenter active on the French media, the ceremony was conducted in French, English, and sign language.
After the medals were presented, the Abilympics flag was handed over to the President of the International Abylimpics Federation, Shinobu Wajima. The host for the next Competition is yet to be determined.
The event was supported by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Integration and the Ministry of Solidarity, Autonomy and Persons with Disability, WorldSkills France, the Grand East region in France, the International Abilympics Federation, and Agefiph.
Visitor registration for EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 is officially open.
On behalf of all 32 WorldSkills Europe Member Countries, we invite everyone to visit the 8th edition of our European Championship of Young Professionals, which is scheduled for 5 to 9 September 2023 in the beautiful city of Gdańsk in Poland.
EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 will welcome 600 talented young professionals from across the continent, who will compete for the chance to become ‘Best in Europe’ in 43 different trades. Around 100,000 visitors from across Poland and abroad are expected to attend.
Visitors to EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 will be able to watch Competitors in action and also 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.
We are already three months into the European Year of Skills 2023 – the EU initiative which is putting skills centre-stage by giving fresh impetus to lifelong learning, empowering people and companies to contribute to the green and digital transitions, and supporting innovation and competitiveness.
The European Year of Skills 2023 will help companies, in particular small and medium enterprises, to address skills shortages in the EU. It will promote a mindset of reskilling and upskilling, helping people to get the right skills for quality jobs.
The initiative will showcase skills development opportunities and activities across Europe, foster easier recognition of qualifications across borders, bring organisations and people together to share their experiences and insights, and set out how EU initiatives and funding possibilities can help boost competitiveness, participation, and talent.
