This blog focuses on my experience of attending Euroskills 2023 in Gdansk, Poland. A first for me, but it certainly won’t be my last. I will be discussing what taking part in competition is really like and what’s in it for employers and competitors.
Author: Lara Baldwin, Learning Advisor, Panda Education and Training Ltd
A (very) brief history
Skills competitions aren’t new. In fact, many European countries have a history of trade competitions dating back hundreds of years, all with the aim to celebrate and encourage young men (originally) to partake in new construction skills and trades.
The modern WorldSkills competition began in 1950 in Madrid with just Spain and Portugal taking place and in the last 73 years has developed to include over 1,000 participants from 56 Countries (World Skills, 2020). Each country that takes part holds Regional and National competitions prior to Euro and World Skills, for competitors typically aged 18-23 years old.
This is in order to select individuals and prepare them for the competition.
Whilst each competition varies, the ultimate goal is to demonstrate skills, ability and competency at an international level.
Having seen first-hand the young people participate at Euro Skills, my biggest reflection?: I am hooked!
Expectations
Despite working in the education sector for more than 10 years, prior to attending Euro Skills 2023 in Gdansk, Poland, my knowledge of skills competitions was limited. I had heard about Skills Competition Wales and was encouraged to enter my own learners as a work-based learning assessor but that was extent of my knowledge.
I thought I was prepared for what to expect. I’d read the briefs, knew the variety of competitions involved, watched videos of previous years and studied the map of the venue before attending, so naively, I thought I knew what I was in for. In short: the reality of my experience far exceeded my expectations.
What I didn’t imagine, and certainly couldn’t have planned for was the excitement, enthusiasm and support that was present at each competition.
The drive and motivation of learners, and their dedication to their work and sector was evident throughout each day.
The benefits of participation to the competitors, their employers and country also wasn’t fully aware of until I was there, in person talking to them.
Reality
So, what made it so special?
Despite it being a competition, where individuals are contending against each other for gold medal in their category, the camaraderie was second to none.
During and at the end of each event, competitors, and their support teams were gracious and encouraging, contributing to an exciting atmosphere….
The common denominator: their love for their industry, sector and skill that they were demonstrating.
Individuals were determined, passionate and motivated.
Employers and supporters were enthusiastic, supportive and proud.
Whilst the competition areas had signs asking for competitors not to be disturbed, the buzz around the arena, in particular at the end of a day or task, was electrifying.
It truly made for an exciting and fun environment that I loved being a part of; I couldn’t wait to share this with others and encourage them to be part of the experience.
Being able to walk around the arena and watching the competitors work towards their brief for the day was inspirational…whoever said watching paint dry was boring certainly hasn’t seen the painting and decorating set up at a skills competition!
Individuals that I spoke to, from both the UK and international countries, spoke of the value of taking part. To have spectators watching you as you work and perform, developed skills in being able to work under pressure to a high standard.
The determination and focus that each individual had was admirable, and certainly shows their commitment and ability to succeed.
These are traits that any employer would surely want to develop in their employees?
Off the back of my trip to Gdansk, it is hard to see why employers wouldn’t want to develop a workforce above and beyond the expectation of their industry.
Reasons to Enter
It’s hard to truly explain the feeling of being part of a skills competition, so the easiest thing would be to say – Go, experience it and see for yourself! Skills Competition Wales is being held in venues across Wales in January 2024, and WorldSkills UK is in Manchester in November 2024. But whilst you’re waiting for the next competition to come around, here are my thoughts on what’s in it for employers and individuals and why I will always be an advocate for skills competitions.
Competitors
- The opportunity to demonstrate their skills and talents
- Develops and boosts confidence and competence
- Exposes them to new skills and ways of working
- Stretch and challenges individuals beyond minimum expectations
- Enhances skills such as team working, time management and communication
- Opportunities to share good practice with others
- Better future prospects
- Develops high-level technical skills
- Builds resilience
Employers
- Competitors will bring industry and global standards back to the workplace
- Employers become more desirable if they support skills competitions
- Increases motivation and enthusiasm within the workplace
- Opportunities to share sector practices with counterparts from other
- organisations
- Develops team work practices and as a result increases productivity
- We are continuing to strive for the best in our industries, and an involvement
- in skills competitions can improve that further.
In Norway, employers within the Health and Social Care sector see skills competitions as an extension to their training. They use it as an opportunity to develop and enhance skills above the minimum expectations. In turn this results in staff that are skilled beyond the base level, with an unparalleled commitment to their skill and industry.
Are they in the competition because they are naturally good at what they do, or are they good at what they do because of their participation in skills competitions? Either way, it is hard to deny the short and long term benefits of being involved.
Want to get involved in skills competitions? Skills Competition Wales registration opens in late November 2025 until early December 2025. WorldSkills UK registration opens in March 2026.
Access our online resource Skills Competitions: Why they’re good for business
If you’re a Welsh employer of apprentices, or Training provider and would like to talk to someone about entering skills competitions, contact our Director, Rachel Arnold on 029 21679037 or at hello@pandaeducation.co.uk
The visit to Euroskills 2023 was funded by Taith, a Welsh Government funded programme to raise standards in vocational education and apprenticeships in Wales.
