The sun never sets on WorldSkills

The Closing Ceremony of WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 did not mean that all is said and done until WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. Far from it! The 75 Member countries and regions in the WorldSkills community are busy inspiring, motivating, and preparing the next generation of Competitors and the future Champions of WorldSkills. This effort goes on year round across the globe. Seen and appreciated in this worldwide scope and context, it is significant (and hopeful!) to consider the impact of WorldSkills not only on youth as they develop confidence in their future, but also on the future of our global economy, society, and geopolitics. Check in regularly to the WorldSkills homepage www.worldskills.org/calendar to keep up with the many national and regional competitions taking place. What happens today prepares us for an exciting and highly-skilled future.

The 45th National Skills Competition in Chinese Taipei came to a joyful close on 19 September. The Competition ran 15-19 September, and included 700 Competitors in 47 Skills competing throughout the four different event sites. Supporting the Competitors were approximately 160 Experts, and cheering them on were the approximately 20,000 visitors to the event. Represented by Member organization, the Workforce Development Agency, Chinese Taipei joined WorldSkills in 1970. Since that time, Chinese Taipei has participated in every WorldSkills Competitions, most recently at WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 with a robust team including 41 Competitors, 43 Experts, and 28 Interpreters. Visit the Facebook page of the National Competition for both results and pictures.

On 17-21 October, WorldSkills Malaysia will hold its National Competition, and in advance of the Competition visit www.skillsmalaysia.gov.my to learn about the event. SkillsMalaysia was established as one of the 19 activities of the Economic Transformation Programme of Malaysia, with the objective to formulate, promote, and coordinate skills training in Malaysia, after studying and adapting the best practices of developed countries, such as Germany, Japan, Australia, and other European nations.

Watch www.irantvto.ir for news and information about the upcoming 16th National Skills Competition in Iran, to be held 1-4 November. The site has information about communications, other events, and programmes - which can be translated into English if you need.

The Skills Show in the UK takes place 19-21 November in Birmingham, England, and expects to involve over 700 Competitors, and welcome approximately 75,000 visitors to the largest skills and careers event in the UK. In addition to education and career advice, visitors can learn from educators and motivational speakers; plus, “Have a Go” - trying their hand at a wide variety of work-based skills. The annual National WorldSkills UK Competition finals takes place at The Skills Show each year. This sets the stage for selecting and preparing the UK’s Squad of Competitors for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. For more information, visit: www.theskillsshow.com. If you are interested in volunteering, go to: www.findafuture.org.uk/the-skills-show/get-involved/volunteer

These are only a few of the many upcoming events designed to engage and boost training for Competitors - in both skills and mental preparation. Hundreds of thousands of Competitors, Experts, sponsors, partners, teachers, parents, and community volunteers join in this ongoing worldwide effort. Virtually every day and everywhere in the world there are WorldSkills stakeholders and supporters working to improve our world with the power of skills.