WorldSkills Russia’s National Competition is sure to be a virtual success

The eighth competition will follow a unique onsite-online hybrid format to overcome the obvious challenges of COVID-19.

Social distancing and the danger of infection makes gathering large numbers of people together in one place impossible, both for Russia and many other countries.

Instead Competitors will work remotely, using webcams at numerous venues, including educational institutions, specialized excellence centres, and interregional skill centers.

The Chief Experts and Deputy Chief Experts will be able watch and judge their efforts from afar, but also following the normal assessment rules and the WorldSkills International methodology.

The concept was developed in just one and half months, with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education, the Experts community and WorldSkills Russia Partners.

“Our objective is to help the vocational education system function under any conditions,” says Robert Urazov, the Director General of WorldSkills Russia.

“We use the latest digital technologies and telecommunication system to develop new methods and implement projects on remote education, training of specialists as well as independent assessment from anywhere.”

There is a long term objective as well, Mr Urazov says. “Those who are creating new working formats will survive and become stronger. This especially refers to the vocational education. And when the crisis passes, we need to stabilize the economic situation throughout the world.”

Other elements of the pre-coronavirus competition have not been forgotten.

The Conference will also move to a remote format, with participants able to choose discussions and workshops that will allow them to join in as well as watch.

Try-a-Skills are also moving online, with visitors now able to use game simulators to try different skills and interactive challenges.

In schools, students will be given career guidance tests and online lessons that will also include the opportunity to try skills and complete simple task.

The end result will be significant increase in numbers across the board, including 2,800 Competitors, including both juniors and some from overseas.

There will be more than 700 Experts, judging 130 skills, with the eight competition also the biggest in the organization’s history

Both the Opening and Award Ceremonies will be streamed on the WorldSkills Russia YouTube channel, beginning on 7 September and continuing until 20 September.