A Global Celebration of Trades and Technology Careers

For all of our global differences, there are many commonalities found around the world when it comes to careers and education. It can be easy to think that one country or industry is unique with its successes and challenges; however, upon further investigation, common themes can be found. The reality is that traditional trades, new technologies and multi-skilled vocations make an essential contribution to the economic and social well being of people everywhere. WorldSkills International is an organization that celebrates the successes and spreads the word about these careers using a number of different methods. The largest by far is the WorldSkills Competition, held every other year in a different 'Host' city.

The Leipziger Messe in Leipzig,  Germany.
Credit: John Cox, WorldSkills International 

The last WorldSkills Competition was held in London, UK in October 2011. Approximately 200,000 visitors attended to see almost 1,000 young people from 51 countries/regions compete in 45 different trade and technology areas. From Bricklaying to Baking, Mechatronics to Milling, this is by far the largest global celebration of skilled trade and technology careers and it is the most amazing site to see. Planning is already well underway to deliver the next WorldSkills Competition that will be held in Leipzig, Germany in July of 2013. Consilium's Michelle Turpin is also the Project and Special Events Manager for WorldSkills International. She recently travelled to Germany for a board meeting and for planning meetings for the 'most exciting Competition ever'. It takes a team of committed individuals to pull off these incredible Competitions, and WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 will be no different. To see what WorldSkills International is all about, be sure to visit www.worldskills.org. Stay tuned for more details as the planning continues.