This September I was very pleased to join our CEO Dr Katerina Kolyva, in representing ETF as part of the official UK delegation to EuroSkills in Herning, Denmark. I didn’t know what to expect, and quite honestly, I was blown away. Think one-part international conference, one-part skills networking event, one-part trade mission, and two-parts Olympic Games (but with the sports replaced by different trade skills) and you have the WorldSkills movement.
There were 38 different skill categories, across disciplines ranging from hair and beauty to mechatronics – my favourite must be the hospitality competition. I’m considering filing a complaint with the organisers, though, as I wasn’t one of those selected to be an amateur ‘cocktail taster!’
Behind every skills athlete is a great teacher
When the claxons sounded to end each event, and the competitors had to literally ‘down tools’ after two non-stop, gruelling days of their pursuit of excellence, it led to very emotional moments amongst supporters, parents, competitors, and their teachers (mentors). It was a time to reflect on how important educators are in supporting young learners in their career journeys and guiding them to that advanced stage, and made me feel proud to work for an organisation committed to driving professionalism across technical education and skills.
Well, how did we do? The UK team left Herning with a well-earned bronze medal in ‘Industry 4.0’ for Caolan McCartan and Patrick Sheerin, from Southern Regional College in Northern Ireland. Our competitors in CNC Milling, Painting and Decorating, Plumbing and Heating, Restaurant Services and Hairdressing also received Medallions for Excellence. We were fielding a young team compared with the other European countries, to help prepare our skills athletes for WorldSkills in Shanghai next year.
Collaborating on Skills Workforce Development Across Europe
While at the event we took the time to visit the delegations from other countries, and Katerina spoke at a Europe-wide roundtable on Delivering Skills Excellence for Employers. Our international counterparts were interested in the work of ETF and welcomed proposals for closer collaboration on professional standards in teaching and management.
After witnessing two days of such inspiring feats of ingenuity, stamina and excellence displayed by all the young people who competed at EuroSkills, I think it is a shame that the movement does not garner more attention and support. I hope the international skills community can pull together more to support its growth in the coming years.
And in the meantime, I’ll be doing all I can to get a ticket to Shanghai next year!