WorldSkills General Assembly 2016 begins in Niagara Falls Canada

WorldSkills General Assembly 2016, hosted by Skills/Compétences Canada and SkillsUSA, is set to begin in Niagara Falls, Canada. The General Assembly, which is taking place between 2-6 October 2016, is a global platform for the strategic development of the WorldSkills movement and it will include meetings of several committees. A key part of the week is the development of Vision 2025 an ambitious plan for the future of WorldSkills.

“The gathering of more than 300 delegates from around the globe for the General Assembly, reflects the continued strength of the WorldSkills movement,” said Simon Bartley, President of WorldSkills. “Our 75 Member countries and regions collectively have the knowledge, experience, and commitment that is needed to strengthen skills development around the globe.”

The WorldSkills Leaders Forum will also be held during the week. This annual global event brings together skills and vocational education thought leaders to share perspectives on the future of education and training. The theme of this year’s Forum is Future Skills.  It will feature key note presentations and panel discussions on how to respond to the changing nature of skills around the globe.

More than 30 Champions – alumni of the biennial WorldSkills Competitions – will be at the General Assembly for the WorldSkills Champions Forum: Champions Challenge. Harnessing the diversity in skills, cultures, and the experiences of Champions, they will spend the week working in groups to create projects that engage Champions, raise the profile of WorldSkills, and demonstrate the power of skills.

The General Assembly is being co-hosted by two Members for the first time, Skills/Compétences Canada and SkillsUSA.  Both have been hosts of the WorldSkills Competition.  Canada in Montreal in 1999 and in Calgary in 2009, and the United States of America in Atlanta in 1981.  Most recently SkillsUSA welcomed the WorldSkills Board of Directors and CEOs of the national skills organizations to Louisville in June 2016.

WorldSkills is grateful to Skills/Compétences Canada, SkillsUSA, and their partners for supporting the General Assembly 2016 with such warm hospitality against the epic backdrop of the falls.

For more information on the WorldSkills General Assembly 2016, visit www.worldskills2016.com.