WorldSkills and 3M launch new education project

Worldskills International and 3M announced the launch of a joint educational project — Education for the Future. The programme is aimed at enhancing and accelerating education experiences for students, giving them an opportunity to study using the latest professional materials in order to open new horizons. The announcement of the programme took place on August 24, 2019 at the 45th WorldSkills Competition in Kazan, Russia.

3M is supporting the programme with a donation of $80,000. “The funding of education programs is a core 3M value, especially programmes that have a STEM focus. Thus, we are raising awareness of the importance of science since science is the foundation of many skilled professions, which students demonstrate in Worldskills competitions,” said Maureen Tholen, Sustainability Director of 3M.

WorldSkills Chief Executive Officer David Hoey commented, “Partnerships in environmental, economic, and social sustainability are very important to draw in the right synergy for creating a model and strategy that work for our targeted audience – students.  Technology has enabled us to transfer knowledge and develop skills in a much efficient and cost-effective way for our young people. As an example, the project might include an online tool to reach as many young people as possible”.

As part of the educational programme, students will receive the access to modern technologies and best-in-class expertise, which will allow them to learn their professional skills and more likely to become successful in their careers.

“Industries are constantly changing, and the education programme should also adapt to market conditions in order to prepare specialists for their professional path. The Education for the Future program is designed to bridge the gap between the current level of training and future market needs,” said Dave Gunderson, Vice President and General Manager, Automotive Aftermarket Division, 3M.

The project will be implemented in countries where Worldskills runs their biannual championships, and Russia will be the first country where the project is going to start in 2019-2020.

3M has been supporting the WorldSkills movement around the world for many years and is a Global Industry Partners of WorldSkills International.