Local skilled expertise is essential in response to a global pandemic

Bring together Mobile Robotics, computer-aided design and a WorldSkills Technical Delegate, and what do you get?

An innovative project to support health workers at medical facility in Portugal in urgent need of equipment to combat COVID-19.

Carlos Fonseca, the Technical Delegate for WorldSkills Portugal was approached by the Amadora-Sintra Hospital in the south of the country, which urgently needed protective masks for its pulmonary unit.

The project utilized a variety of skills, including specialized modelling and mechanics for the fine-tuning of 3D printers to produce the masks, which were provided free.

WorldSkills Sweden reports that Robin Stattin, their Competitor for Electrical Installations at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, has also turned his hand to mask production.

With a colleague he has printed several hundred protective visors using 3D printing technology to meet a shortage at Sollefteå Hospital.

Skill have also been vital in the construction of a mobile hospital in Sweden to respond to potential shortage of beds.

Plumbers, electricians, and builders were among those who worked to build the 500 bed hospital in just two weeks.

Tributes to Hong Kong, China’s success in fighting COVID-19 should include two WorldSkills Champions.

Yik-hei, Onikur Chan, who obtained the Medallion for Excellence in Web Design and Development at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, has been working with Jung-yu Lam, who competed in IT/Software Applications at WorldSkills Calgary 2009.

Both are part of a team that has developed and launched a virtual healthcare platform. It allows patients to book a video consultation with a doctor or specialist and supply them with home kit for testing for COVID-19 with samples delivered to labs for testing.