EuroSkills and the European Vocational Skills Week
Saturday 3rd December 2016 the EuroSkills 2016 closed. Young skilled people in Europe showed their skills.
Young people up to the age of 25 from all over Europe meet in Gothenburg to compete for the European title in vocational skills. This was the first time that the competition was held in Scandinavia. EuroSkills is Europe’s biggest skills competition and aims to improve the quality, status and attraction of vocational training. Visitors and Competitors took take part in a range of inspiring side events, including Try-a-Skill challenges, exhibitions and seminars.
Around 450 young people from about 30 different countries have been competing in:
Transportation and Logistics
Manufacturing and Engineering Technology
Construction and Building Technology
Creative Arts and Fashion
Information and Communication Technology
Social and Personal Services
50 000 visitors made their way through the halls of Svenska Mässan. Everywhere you went, students were grouping to follow a skill competition – whether it be Hotel Receptionist, Floristry, Health and Social Care or Wall and Floor Tiling. On site there are plenty of opportunities to research the perfect career choice, with guidance councellars and colleges doing their best to answer any questions.
Monday December 5th 2016 the first European Vocational Skills Week open.
This first European Vocational Skills Week will take place from 5 to9 December 2016 with events in Brussels and parallel activities in Member States, EFTA and EU candidate countries at national, regional and local levels.
The idea with the Skills week is to underline that every single person is talented. Some talents may be obvious, some still hidden. They want to show that vocational education and training is a smart choice, is fun, and leads to excellence in education, high-quality jobs and increased employability.
The Skills week wants to show that there are great vocational training opportunities that successfully prepare you for interesting and challenging careers, as well as active engagement in society. They underline that vocational education and training is a desirable option for people of all ages, and prepares people for jobs the world over. Quality training develops the creative and innovative potential of learners.
The skills week have a focus on upskilling and reskilling throughout life. That is key to improved job opportunities and better integration in society. Lifelong learning enhances social inclusion, diversity, and active citizenship.
All over Europe, more than 750 activities for the skills week are registered.
The vocational skilled people are very needed and visible when we need a plumber, check in to a hotel, or eat in a restaurant. These kind of activities like EuroSkills and the European Vocational Skills Week should make the vocational skills more visible. It is important skills we all need.
