Creating a Global Community of Experts

Each of the 50 skills at the 43rd WorldSkills Competition were run by a collection of Experts, representing each of the Member countries and regions that participated in the skill.

Experts are responsible for planning and running the skill competitions in accordance with the key sustainability principles. A key duty of the Experts is to develop the Test Projects the Competitors complete at the WorldSkills Competition.

Looking back at the success of the Competition Artur Widman, Expert in Pâtisserie and Confectionery from South Tyrol, Italy said “It is so rewarding to see the people’s reactions to the different products our Competitors can make.”

Throughout the planning process the Experts work collaboratively to create a Test Project that challenges the Competitors to reach for excellence, demonstrating the creativity and craftsmanship required to excel in their skill.

“I have a passion to pass on my knowledge to the younger generations. I want them to have the skills to lead because you are only limited by your imagination,” notes Richard Johnstone Chief Expert, Aircraft Maintenance from Canada. 

Many Champions (past Competitors) pay forward their appreciation for the many opportunities WorldSkills has given them by volunteering to be Experts. “As an Expert who is a past Competitor, it is an amazing experience to pass on my knowledge that I learnt, and am still learning, to young people whose position I have been in,” explains Rick Oosterhuis, Polymechanics and Automation Expert from the Netherlands. 

As WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 wraps up, the Experts’ attention shifts to planning WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. While the logistics, location, and challenges will be different the comradery generated by the Experts will remain. They are united by a shared vision to provide youth the inspiration and opportunity to reach for new levels of excellence.