Making vocational education and training (VET) attractive through skills demonstrations

Last Friday 23 February, around 500 participants, including 400 young people, gathered in Brussels to learn more about the skills that companies are and will be looking for, and how to develop them. Apart from inspiring panel discussions and thematic workshops, skills demonstrations received the most attention. Delivered by WorldSkills, EuroSkills and Abylimpics Champions, the demonstrations featured a wide range of professions and allowed participants to explore numerous career possibilities - from advanced robotics to flower art. 

“Lower environmental footprint, virtually no costs of training after the initial investment, and precision similar to the real-world setting” – explained a representative of Mimbus, WorldSkills partner company, describing the key benefits of a car painting simulator. Participants visiting the stand had a chance not only to try car painting for the first time, but also compete against each other and develop their motor skills in the process. 

High-tech solutions were featured on Robot System Integration and Mechanical Engineering CAD stands, which sparked fascinating discussions about practical applications of technology and how to best prepare yourself to one day be part of this flourishing industry. Prospective engineer could find out more about key skills required, such as ability to solve complex problems, creative thinking, and ability to use specialized tools. Together with Fanuc and Intamsys (WorldSkills partner companies), Piotr Wyrzyk and Hubert Krasuski (EuroSkills Champions Robot Integration), Garikoitz Mujika (EuroSkills Champion Engineering CAD) and João Teixeira (WorldSkills Champion Engineering CAD) shared with the participants their experience in competing in respective skills and how their careers are evolving. 

At the same time, the longest queues formed in front of the floristry skills demonstration – yet again proving that traditional occupations using manual skills can be equally interesting as those developing complex technological solutions. Sylvaine Agator, Abilympics Champion, designed a bouquet, head crown and a chignon decoration.  

Background 

The event was co-organised by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee in the context of the European Year of Skills. It further contributed to the existing initiatives promoting Vocational Education and Training (VET) as an attractive choice for the youth.