EuroSkills Lille 2014 - the results are in!

From 2 to 4 October, EuroSkills Lille 2014, the largest European skills competition took place in Lille Grand de Palais, France. Over 3 days, 450 young skilled workers, from 25 countries, competed in skills for the title best of Europe. EuroSkills Lille 2014 was hosted by WorldSkills France (a Member of WorldSkills Europe) and the Region of Nord-Pas de Calais.

The final results of EuroSkills Lille 2014 were made official during a spectacular Closing Ceremony at the Zenith Arena. Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were awarded, as well as a "Best of Nation" from every participating country. A special award was given to the Competitor with the overall best result, making him the "Best of Europe". This award was given to Oliver Anibas from Austria competing in Industrial Control. Out of the 25 countries that competed Austria also came in first, followed by France and Finland. The Ceremony culminated with a tradition where the host country, France, handed over the EuroSkills flag to the next host, Sweden, for EuroSkills Gothenburg 2016.

During the Ceremony Minister Patrick Kanner (French Minister of Urban Planning, Youth and Sports), Daniel Percheron (Region of Nord-Pas de Calais President), Michel Guisembert (WorldSkills France President), and Jos de Goey (WorldSkills Europe President) addressed the audience: Competitors, Experts, Team Leaders, their families, friends, volunteers and officials from the many European countries.

Jos de Goey, WorldSkills Europe President, spoke directly to the Competitors: “Remember by being here, you are among the very best skilled European professionals who are vital for our economies, and no one can take that away from you!”

In a competitive and constantly changing world, skills competitions motivate and inspire future generations to ensure that they understand that skills can provide personal and professional fulfilment.

EuroSkills Lille 2014 wasn’t only about competing, for the nearly 90,000 visitors it was about discovering and trying trades, getting information about training programmes and meeting tomorrow’s highly qualified young European professionals. It was also the place where a lot of European leaders of industry, education and training came together at different organized seminars, conferences and meetings.

For more information and the final results: www.worldskillseurope.org