Esteemed ministers such as Catherine Vautrin, Minister for Labour, Health and Solidarity in France, joined global educators, young people, and industry-leading organizations such as LinkedIn and Stanley Black & Decker to delve into pressing topics from gender equity and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to foundational skills, fragile economies, and skills for the green transition.

Relive some of the most impactful moments of WorldSkills Conference 2024.

You can also watch recordings of selected sessions:

• The opening session explored the next steps to move the global TVET agenda forward and create action to strengthen systems.
• The closing panel concluded two days of discussions into the most pressing challenges facing TVET, skilled youth, and the world of work.

And check the “live blog” for updates from throughout the two days.

The post Relive the most significant moments from WorldSkills Conference 2024 appeared first on WorldSkills Conference 2024.

AI dominated the first discussion of the day, “Can education catch up? AI and the future of work”, with technology giants and skills experts debating how TVET can keep pace with industry advancements. When moderator Georgie Ndirangu asked the panel for their perspectives on the changes we can expect to see, Mike Haley, Senior Vice President Research at Autodesk, was clear-sighted. He said, “AI is going to fundamentally change the nature of the tools we use in the world, bringing about two things. The first is that you can learn while using the tool and the software can scaffold you, and the second is that you will be able to continue learning with it through life.” 

Shweta Ratanpura, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative in Asia, reminded delegates of the value of youth saying, “Young people are brilliant at adapting to tech. It keeps changing every year with new software and people are quick at picking it up. But it is not the case that we need to add a lot of things, it is more that we need to focus on the right things.”

While AI promises to revolutionize the workforce, the Conference emphasized that strong foundational skills remain crucial to emerging economies. In a session titled “Brick by brick: Foundational skills for better TVET”, Mohamad Maliki Osman, Second Minister for Education in Singapore, emphasized, “We must value students for their contribution and create a system that can respond to changes in the world today. We need to ensure the ecosystem recognizes the diversity of talent that exists and the different pathways that are possible.”

Data’s pivotal role in shaping effective TVET systems was a key focus, with the WorldSkills Global Research Council presenting its work on impact measurement in “Monitoring impact: Data for better skills systems.” Neil Bentley-Gockman, Chair of the WorldSkills Global Research Council, shared insights from a recent analysis of the WorldSkills Impact Statement Development Survey 2021.

As he presented the finding, Neil also outlined the goals of the Council saying, “Firstly, we monitor the ever-changing world of work and help WorldSkills and its members to understand it. Secondly, we develop positions to contribute to policy making and giving WorldSkills a voice in terms of the agendas. Thirdly, we monitor and conduct research on the impact of WorldSkills.”

During the afternoon, OECD shared the latest update on PISA-VET, the first international assessment for vocational programmes. Lydia Liu, Associate Vice President, Research for the Education Testing Service ETS highlighted plans for the assessment saying, “Professional skills are complex, and this gives us a unique opportunity to innovate. That is why we are going to include interactive simulations, performance-based live assessment, and a focus on employability skills such as effective communications, collaboration, and conscientiousness that matter to the TVET occupations.”

In among the panel sessions, five social entrepreneurs took the main stage and presented a live business pitch to the assembled delegates in the BeChangeMaker 2024 finale. The much-anticipated presentations showcased the ingenuity of young people who have big ideas to address global challenges. Sekofia from Nigeria won with its SaaS platform that connects patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies to streamline insurance processes.

Founders Ochong Johnson Aduma and Nino Chibuzor Nwachukwu said, “Getting to this point has been an amazing journey over a couple of months. The next step for us is to double down on what we have, continue our product development, and then we are hoping to launch by the end of this year. We can start scaling from there, across Nigeria and many more countries in Africa.”

In parallel, UNESCO’s Global Skills Academy celebrated four years of providing high-quality training to youth worldwide. Borhene Chakroun, Director for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems at UNESCO stressed the need for inclusivity. He said, “We need to continue to think about skilling up those who are the most marginalized and most dramatically affected by these changes to our labour market. Just like money only going to the rich, so skills cannot only go to those who are already skilled. At the moment, less than 4% of low skilled adults engage in learning. We cannot leave anyone behind.”

Day two saw young changemakers come together in the Youth Forum to discuss the greatest and most urgent challenges facing young people in skills. Their recommendations were presented back to Conference delegates in the Closing Plenary by Yousra Assali, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for MENA who helped close of the day with an impassioned plea to keep young people involved in the discussions.

She said, “I am here today to remind us all, that the systems that created our current problems will not be the same systems that solve them. We must think differently about the future. Young people have an important perspective that must be heard.”

David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, wrapped the event with a direct request of the audience. He said, “The Conference is complete, but our work continues in haste. Whether you find yourself at the UN Summit of the Future next week, or are delivering grassroots programmes, we need you to raise this topic at every level. Continue to seek out opportunities to expand your work, find new collaborators, and work every day to elevate skills”.

As WorldSkills Conference 2024 concluded, participants departed with renewed purpose and a sharper vision for TVET’s future. Catch up on any of the sessions you might have missed at WorldSkills Conference 2024.

The post AI, data, and foundational skills: Day two of WorldSkills Conference 2024 appeared first on WorldSkills Conference 2024.

WorldSkills Conference 2024: Moving TVET to the Top of the Global Agenda takes place 11-12 September 2024 in Lyon, France.

Over the next two days, we will be sharing Conference insights “live” on this page—covering key points from each session featuring a remarkable line-up of speakers from all over the world, representing a diverse range of experiences and expertise, a global community helping shape the future of skills and Technical Vocational and Training!

5 p.m.

To close out two packed days of inspiring and insightful conversation, moderator Georgie Ndirangu asked Closing panelists for one sentence on what they commit to in efforts to move TVET to the top of the global agenda.

• “I commit to coming back to a WorldSkills Competition, national and international, and I commit to ensuring that, at the end of middle school, young people know about 50 different jobs. Today it is about 10.” – Geoffroy de Vitry, High Commissioner for Vocational Education and Training, France.
  
• “I commit to ensuring that we improve the awareness and the importance of skills training. There have been conversations about the stigma that is associated with that and I think having that private sector step up and say these skills are incredibly valuable, these skills are useful and we hire fro these skills I think will help shift that negative perception. I commit to doing my part and that Autodesk is doing their part to not only promote but hire for these skills.  – Dara Treseder, Chief Marketing Officer, Autodesk
  
• “I commit to promoting more and new global partnerships on skills.” – Srinivas B. Reddy, Chief of Skills and Employability Branch, International Labour Organization ILO
  
• “I commit to over the next year making skills achievement and attainment as prestigious as any other attainment because I think we haven’t made skills as prestigious as we should be.” – Marty Guay, Vice President, Business Development, Stanley Black & Decker
  
• “I commit to work with colleagues, with WorldSkills, to ensure skills remain high in the agenda.” – Borhene Chakroun, Director for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, UNESCO
  
• “I commit to always being the voice of youth and always available for advocating for youth and helping youth to achieve their passion and follow their passion.” – Yousra Assali, WorldSkills Representative for MENA

Insights from day 2

4:30 p.m.

Dara Treseder Chief Marketing Officer of Autodesk says:

“Why is the private sector participating in this conversation? As industry and tech leaders, we shape a lot of what happens in society. Let’s take Autodesk: our software is used to design and build the world around us. There is one common thread across all the industries: there is a skills gap. Clearly we know that education is critical, but that skills gap is real. So how will we solve the problem? There are three core things we can do as a private sector organization:

• Democratize access to knowledge and technology
• Partner with educational institutions
• Make sure the skills are being understood

Srinivas B. Reddy Chief of Skills and Employability Branch of the International Labour Organization ILO says:

“What we need to see is a skills revolution.”

“It requires massive public momentum and social change, removing stigma around skilled careers. We need to see political leaders at the highest level in conferences like this one, to translate these calls into commitments and actually deliver.”

4 p.m.

Day 2 is coming to an end…

The Closing Panel of WorldSkills Conference 2024 will begin shortly!

3:40 p.m.

From competition to transformation: How WorldSkills can advance TVET in low-and middle-income countries

“Communication is key to solving the problem that industry, in some African countries, is not as connected to education and government. We need to communicate with labour and change the curriculum to meet their specific needs. For people, we need to communicate what is in it for them so they can give it their best. Then, it becomes a virtuous circle,” said Taneisha Ingleton Managing Director, HEART/NSTA TRUST.

“Leveraging the connection between industry and education requires changing the model of engagement with development partners and industry. We need to connect industry experts with our TVET system. If they are all a part of the conversation, they will be able to understand the challenges. Skills are critical when it comes to competitiveness globally, and we need industry to see that,” said Dr. Kipkirui Langat CEO, WorldSkills Kenya.

3:15 p.m.

Unveiling PISA-VET: Progress and Achievements

“Professional skills are unique and complex skills and this gives us a unique opportunity to innovate. That is why we are going to include interactive simulations, we are going to introduce performance based live assessment, and we are going to include employability skills. Skills such as effective communications, collaboration, conscientiousness, and a range of life skills that matter to the TVET occupations,” said Lydia Liu Associate Vice President, Research, Education Testing Service.

David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills, says: “The OECD PISA system and WorldSkills performance assessments are very complimentary. We want to marry the two together and scale. A rising tide lifts all boats and our hope is that this partnership can benefit all.”

2 p.m.

Breaks in between sessions for some networking and idea exchange!

1:50 p.m.

Congratulations to BeChangeMaker winners Sekofia (1st place), RiceUp (2nd place), and Planet Plus (3rd place) who each receive EUR 2,000 cash.

In addition, all Top 5 teams (Holly and CarePlug) receive EUR 1,000 worth of customized post-programme training from WorldSkills and HP LIFE Foundation to support their businesses, along with a feature in UNESCO-UNEVOC’s publications, and invitations to join UNESCO-UNEVOC events. #WSC2024

1:30 p.m.

Team RiceUp from Vietnam have developed a rice-based product and packaging initiative.

Team Planet Plus from Kenya have created biodegradable bags for recollection and composting.

Team Sekofia from Nigeria have created a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) health insurance management platform that connects patients, healthcare providers and insurance companies.

Team Holly from Colombia is creating an innovative solution to address emotional wellbeing, helping young people believe in themselves.

Team CarePlug from Zimbabwe takes the stage. They present on their telemedicine platform featuring a state-of-the-art EHR system aimed at bridging the healthcare gap.

1 p.m.

BECHANGEMAKER FINAL PITCH

BeChangeMaker is a social entrepreneurship programme presented by WorldSkills and HP LIFE, supported by UNESCO-UNEVOC. This year, the programme received a RECORD-BREAKING 700 applications (715 from 83 countries and regions to be exact).

Five social entrepreneur teams from Zimbabwe , Colombia , Kenya , Vietnam and Nigeria begin their live pitch of their social business ideas to judges and a live audience representing policymakers, education and industry at WorldSkills Conference 2024, after months of learning, coaching, mentoring and finessing their social business ideas that will make a big impact in their communities and beyond.

12 p.m.

brick-by-brick: foundational skills for better tvet

Millions of young people are failing to acquire foundational skills. Experts in this session discuss the potential of systems and institutions to address the gaps and reinforce foundational skills.

Hiromichi Katayama Programme Specialist, Section of Youth, Literacy and Skills Development, UNESCO, said: “Literacy is one of the key components of foundational skills, as well as social and emotional skills. Lifelong learning is another one of our key mandates, we published preliminary studies on lifelong learning and now we’re compiling best practices on how governments can support it. We believe in many countries, with ageing societies, it will remain critical for populations to continue learning.”

Mohamad Maliki Osman, Second Minister for Education, Singapore, said: “Recognize the skills of our TVET students, provide rightful remuneration, build a sense of value towards young people. It’s easy to lose the idea that TVET is equally, if not more, important than academia in building the economy. We must value students for their contribution. Also the flexibility of the system must respond to changes in the world today—how does one ready oneself right from the very beginning? We need to ensure the ecosystem recognizes diversity of talent that exists out there, and recognise the different pathways that exist.”

9:50 a.m.

Can education catch up? AI and the future of work

Day 2 of WorldSkills Conference 2024 kicked off with an exciting discussion on artificial intelligence and the future of work. Recognizing that AI will have an important role in the future of learning, this morning’s panelists will discuss how AI innovations will be disruptive not only for the world of work, but also for education. How can TVET adapt to the speed of industry and equip young people with the skills they need? How will big data steer education and the workforce in the future?

Insights from day 1

Read: Excellence, equity, and sustainable practices: day one of WorldSkills Conference 2024 wraps up.

5:30 p.m.

Displacement, Climate Change and Conflict: Skills Initiatives for Fragile Economies

“We address issues in countries facing emergencies and recovering from crises through collaboration—by working with other UN agencies and with the support of other countries, but we also use previous learnings from displaced migrant populations who have been living on the land for generations.” – Fabio Jiménez, Head of Labour Mobility and Markets Unit, Labour Mobility Division, International Organization for Migration IOM.

4:45 p.m.

Reimagining Workplaces, Cultivating Inclusion: Attracting More Women into STEM

“As a UN agency, we work in a multi-layered way with member states to ensure no-one is left behind, with a focus on strengthening TVET institutions and co-operation between them. We help governments to build policies that mainstream gender equality and prepare the workforce for the green economy. In a few countries, we provide capacity-building for teachers on gender-responsive TVET, because teachers cannot teach what they do not know. At the same time, we work with children to help them challenge gender stereotypes in different ways.” – Priscilla Gatonye, UNESCO-UNEVOC.

4:40 p.m.

Collaborating towards success: Tools and Strategies for Quality Assurance in TVET

“(To build quality apprenticeships), what is needed is collaborations and partnerships across public, private, non-profit, academia, and higher education. It’s a cultural thing. You have to respect your culture, your history, your people… and if you do that and drive it, you’ll probably have success.” – Marty Guay – Stanley Black & Decker.

Following the morning sessions, attendees got a chance to take in Curated Competition Visits—watching 1,400 Competitors in their element for day 1 of WorldSkills Competition.

12:55 p.m.

Questions from the audience:

• How do we make green skills more attractive to young people who still see industries like oil as “secure” compared to green sectors?
• Meeting the green transition is not about inventing new green skills, it’s about upskilling and adapting the skills we already have. How do we do this?

“We need to make green skills more attractive to young people and focus on youth perceptions,” said Andy Hurst, Vice President Global Sales, Festo Didactic, Germany.

“It’s also true that we already have many of the skills we need to meet the green transition.”

12:20 p.m.

Breaking Stereotypes: Building Gender Equity in Skills

“Women that study STEM go into it but then leave after a few years because they’re not comfortable with the working environment. There’s work that needs to be done to improve the workplace for both genders. This is an aspect we’ve been promoting in TVET and at higher education level. We’ve been working on a task force on talent in tech area with the US and we’ve seen there are differences between US and EU and how we can learn from that. This is also a way of thinking about how we can work better: partnerships, and also funding. We have been funding projects that help in TVET and support through guidance, mentoring, and accompanying people into the job,” said Manuela Geleng Director for Skills, European Commission.

“We talk about D&I and if we don’t talk about inclusion we’re not covering it. People need to have a voice and take part in decision making, and have career development. It goes far beyond entrance into the workplace. Two key areas are career guidance and apprenticeships. Career guidance needs to include employers. Apprenticeships: employers should expand them as they’re still limited, also the financial incentive for apprentices. We lose the men and the women once they’re in if there’s not a clear intention,” said El Iza Mohamedou Head of Centre for Skills, OECD.

11:55 a.m.

Raising the Bar: How do we create excellence in every TVET system?

Georgie Ndirangu: “What is the key for excellence in TVET for you?”

“For me, we have to look at the outcome. We are talking about systems that need to be responsive to employers, students, and the larger economy, to serve national development needs,” – Xiaoyan Liang Lead Education Specialist and focal person for Skills and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), World Bank.

“We’re the largest international development financing institution… we have 230 projects in TVET all over the world with around $39 billion dollars. This gives us lots of expertise in compiling data and knowledge on what makes excellence in TVET systems. We have to assume TVET needs to build on a very strong foundation before it can be excellent. That’s number one. Number two is that the government has to have incentives for industry to work with the government, with providers, so that TVET course content is aligned with industry standards and occupational standards. Also we need to look into governance and financing aspects – public financing right now, as it is, the way it’s channeled… it’s not performance or results based. We support government systems to say ‘try to change the way you finance TVET'” said Xiaoyan.

“At the strategy level we have specific gender, disability, and people from vulnerable backgrounds… how we can reduce barriers to access and ensure quality of access is clear for those people? We have projects targeting to create regional integrations so that students can move between countries. We also support programmes between global south and north, which is becoming increasingly powerful in terms of bridging the gap.”

10:15 a.m.

“TVET is a tool to address the disconnect between jobs, skills, and people’s aspirations. When used appropriately, it empowers people to have fulfilling careers, helps enterprises find people with skills, and supports economies to reach a sustainable development path.” – Mia Seppo, Assistant Director General, International Labour Organization (ILO)

“Youths play a crucial and influential role in shaping career choices of their peers. Growing up in Jamaica, TVET was always a career path for people who struggle financially or educationally… these misconceptions have discouraged young people from considering TVET as a viable career option. However, in my experience, those who have gone through TVET training have become successful and have the power to change the narrative.” – Sonya Hill, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for Americas

“When we talk about policies, it is data we should start with. When it comes to TVET, do we have enough good data? Yes we have some, but not enough. At OECD, we are proud of being a good collector of data, and of inventing a PISA-VET system to collect data and help us know what is needed for TVET to improve.” – Yoshiki Takeuchi, Deputy Secretary-General, OECD

10 a.m.

“This Conference is just weeks ahead of the extraordinary UN Summit of the Future, where world leaders will gather to forge consensus on how to safeguard all our futures. Too often, skills development has not had sufficient recognition to reflect the economic and societal return on investment they produce. We are on a mission to change that,” said Chris Humphries, WorldSkills President.

He invited delegates to work better together, saying, “Moving TVET to the top of the global agenda, requires a collective effort that extends beyond this event. And that is why we want everyone to join our mission to inject excellence into every TVET system around the world. We need to create more opportunities for young people to travel their own pathways to excellence. One where they will be better equipped to meet the challenges of the future thanks to their technical and life skills. And through the process they will become more resilient, more confident, and more accomplished.”

9:40 a.m.

The day began with an urgent and inspiring welcome speeches from Catherine Vautrin, Minister for Labour, Health and Solidarity in France and Nicole Belloubet, Minister for National Education and Youth in France, along with inspiring remarks from Chris Humphries, President of WorldSkills.

“We are together to celebrate what is achieved by each of the countries here, who are building our future using their skills and talent. This is not only a Competition of people, but also a springboard for youth across generations. Competitors across the world will be able to go beyond their limits, and they are showing us that they are ready to step up to the challenge of the future. This event will enable us to be able to speak amongst ourselves, speak, exchange ideas, and that is a lever to ensure the technology will move forward. They are crucial in developing vocational skills and ensuring our world can shift into its new era. WorldSkills shows in concrete terms that excellence can really find itself at the heart of many different sectors.” – Catherine Vautrin, Minister for Labour, Health and Solidarity

“Beyond the Competition, we’re meeting at a key moment where the world of work and TVET are being transformed through economic and social changes, and challenges of the environment and digital transitions. It’s our responsibility as decision makers to rethink the future of vocational education and training and anticipate the needs of the future, to ensure the continued prosperity of our economies and to meet increasing demands. We must be able to guarantee that young people will have quality education and training in line with their aspirations and ensure they have a place in tomorrow’s society.” – Nicole Belloubet, Minister for National Education and Youth

9:30 a.m.

The Opening Session will begin shortly! The room is still filling up with attendees.

Thank you for your patience.

WATCH THE OPENING PLENARY LIVE ONLINE – 09:00 CEST (GMT+2).

• View the Livestream link
• Visit the WorldSkills Conference website

Opening Session Details

• Key stakeholders in the TVET landscape will explore the necessary next steps to move the global TVET agenda forward and create concrete action for countries to strengthen their TVET systems.This opening session includes welcome speeches from Ministers in charge of Labour and National Education, France along with Chris Humphries, President, WorldSkills International.
• Award-winning journalist Georgie Ndirangu will moderate the panel of six international experts:
• Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights
• Prof. Mohamed Belhocine, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, African Union
• Mia Seppo, Assistant Director General, International Labour Organization (ILO)
• Yoshiki Takeuchi, Deputy Secretary-General, OECD
• Christopher J. Nelson, Chief Operating Officer, Stanley Black & Decker
• Sonya Hill, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for Americas

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The day began with welcome addresses from two esteemed French Ministers – Catherine Vautrin, Minister for Labour, Health and Solidarity, and Nicole Belloubet, Minister for National Education and Youth. Chris Humphries, President of WorldSkills, then reinforced the need to elevate skills as a priority saying, “This Conference is just weeks ahead of the UN Summit of the Future, where world leaders will gather to forge consensus on how to safeguard all our futures. Too often, skills development has not had adequate recognition to reflect the economic and societal return on investment they produce. We are on a mission to change that.”

After thanking the French Republic, co-host of the Conference, Chris handed over to global thought leaders and policymakers for the Opening Plenary and a panel which included Professor Mohamed Belhocine from the African Union, Mia Seppo from the ILO, Sonya Hill, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for the Americas, Christopher J. Nelson from Stanley Black & Decker, and Yoshiki Takeuchi from the OECD.

Each speaker underscored the necessity of elevating TVET’s prominence and securing adequate resources. In the discussion, Mia Seppo said, “TVET is a tool to address the disconnect between jobs, skills, and people’s aspirations. It empowers people to have fulfilling careers, helps enterprises find people with skills, and supports economies to reach a sustainable development path.”

Sonya Hill stressed how important it is to shift perceptions of TVET, saying, “Misconceptions around TVET have discouraged people from considering it as a viable career option. Yet people who have gone through TVET training have become successful and have the power to change the narrative.”

Excellence in TVET was a cornerstone theme of day one and was debated in two pivotal sessions. Raising the Bar: How Do We Create Excellence in Every TVET System? saw dignitaries and Ministers from Germany, Hong Kong, and Zambia sharing diverse strategies for achieving TVET excellence across different contexts. Meanwhile, the discussion on Collaborating Towards Success: Tools and Strategies for Quality Assurance in TVET drew attention to innovative approaches that help TVET systems meet the evolving needs of industries and learners alike.

Two sessions today explored both the challenges and the opportunities around gender equity in skills and Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Breaking Stereotypes: Building Gender Equity in Skills looked at strategies to create more inclusive TVET policies and bridge labour market gender gaps, while Reimagining Workplaces, Cultivating Inclusion: Attracting More Women into STEM showcased successful initiatives that have increased women and girls’ participation in STEM fields.

El Iza Mohamedou, Head of Centre for Skills at the OECD, said “Building gender equity in skills goes far beyond attracting more women into the workplace. It is also about inclusion. People from underrepresented genders need to have a voice, take part in decision-making, and have career development.”

The Conference also spotlighted TVET’s crucial role in addressing global challenges, specifically related to pressing social and environmental issues. Keeping Climate Promises: How TVET Can Lead the Green Transition explored how skills development can drive sustainable practices. The session Displacement, Climate Change, and Conflict: Skills Initiatives for Fragile Economies focused on the potential of skills in vulnerable contexts.

Fabio Jiménez, Head of Labour Mobility and Markets Unit, Labour Mobility Division, International Organization for Migration IOM, expressed the importance of engaging with displaced communities. He said, “We address issues in countries facing emergencies and recovering from crises through collaboration by working with other UN agencies and with the support of other countries. But we also use previous learnings from displaced migrant populations who have been living on the land for generations.”

Participants left Eurexpo Lyon enriched from everything they heard in the sessions and saw at curated tours of the Competition. Tomorrow, delegates can expect deeper exploration of critical topics, including AI and the future of skills, data for better skill systems, and foundational skills for better TVET.

If you cannot attend in person, you can watch the livestream of the BeChangeMaker 2024 finale and the Closing Plenary session.

You can also catch insights shared from speakers in our Conference “live blog.”

WorldSkills Lyon 2024, 10 to 15 September, is the world’s largest international skills competition, featuring 1,400 Competitors from almost 70 countries and regions. The 47th WorldSkills Competition showcases excellence in young skilled talent, while also bringing industry, education, and government leaders together to move skills to the top of the global agenda. WorldSkills is highlighting the critical role skills play in addressing global challenges, boosting economies and industries, and promoting excellence.

The post Excellence, equity, and sustainable practices: Day one of WorldSkills Conference 2024 wraps up appeared first on WorldSkills Conference 2024.

Laurence Gates, a member of the WorldSkills Board and the Conference Coalition, reinforced this connection in a recent interview. She said, “WorldSkills Conferences and WorldSkills Competitions are – and must be – intrinsically linked. We understand that the Competition can often be the primary focus for our Members, but we feel the Conference should be seen as an essential platform to discuss what skills excellence means when applied to the real world.”

A key bridge between the Competition and Conference is the participation of WorldSkills Members, Global Partners, and WorldSkills Champions Trust representatives across both events.

WorldSkills Members, representing almost 90 countries and regions, have an opportunity to offer their unique perspectives to the Conference, enriching discussions with ideas developed from years of Competition experience. These insights ensure that emerging TVET strategies are reflective of on-the-ground realities.

Laurence is keen to encourage Members to play an active role in both, saying, “We want Members to take away valuable insights and learning opportunities to help their young Competitors adapt to the changing skills landscape – and thrive on it! We also want them to stay competitive in their own markets. Recognizing how different each Member’s needs are, we have deliberately planned sessions and topics that everyone can benefit from, covering a broad range of themes and profiles with a good representation of perspectives and geographies.”

WorldSkills Global Partners play a vital role across both events. Samsung, Autodesk, Stanley Black & Decker, and Festo are all deeply involved in the delivery of the skill competitions, providing tools and equipment for the workshops and adding their insights to Test Projects. Insights that they will also bring to Conference panels and discussions.

Elfi Klumpp, who is Head of Partnership Development Global Education at Festo Didactic, says, “WorldSkills Conference 2024 is a much-needed platform for industry leaders to collaborate with educators, governments, and young people in addressing the evolving skill requirements across various sectors. By sharing our expertise and learning from others, we can collectively develop innovative solutions to bridge skills gaps and empower the workforce of tomorrow.”

As former Competitors, WorldSkills Champions Trust representatives bring firsthand experience of competing to the Conference discussions. Shae White, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for the Americas and a WorldSkills Champion in Cooking, is a panelist in the Conference session “From Competition to transformation: How WorldSkills can advance TVET in low- and middle-income countries”.

Shae believes that there should be more platforms where young people can have a voice, saying, “Young people are more likely to listen to other young people because our perspectives are the same. Our experiences are similar. So having this space is really important, not just to ensure that you have a voice, but to share our experiences and see how we can make it easier for future generations.”

For those Conference delegates who have not yet soaked up the excitement and adrenalin of a WorldSkills Competition, they will be invited on a behind-the-scenes tour. The tour is intended to give context to the Conference discussions, allowing policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to witness skills excellence in action. This direct exposure to the Competition enhances the quality and relevance of Conference outcomes.

With just days to go until WorldSkills Conference 2024 and WorldSkills Lyon 2024 begin, the connection between the two is clear. Both will benefit from a diverse representation of voices and ideas, both will be powerful platforms for skills excellence, and both will allow the skills community to profile TVET on the world stage.

Download the Whova app to start planning your schedule.

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From 16:00 to 17:30 (GMT+2), a panel of international experts will join Conference moderator and award-winning journalist Georgie Ndirangu on stage at the WorldSkills Assembly Hall at Eurexpo Lyon:

• Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
• Borhene Chakroun, Director for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, UNESCO
• Srinivas B. Reddy, Chief of Skills and Employability Branch, ILO
• Dara Treseder, Chief Marketing Officer, Autodesk
• Marty Guay, VP Business Development, Stanley Black & Decker.

It is hoped that this influential panel will also be joined by the High Commissioner for Vocational and Educational Training in France.

The panel will kick off with a call to action from the Youth Forum, led by Yousra Assali, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for MENA.

Yousra notes the importance of youth involvement in shaping TVET’s future, saying, “It is considered that young people do not know what we want, or that we have no idea about the future. But the truth is things are getting better through youth. We are that future, and we should have a seat at the table.”

Her words will set the tone for the discussions to follow, underscoring the importance of young voices in shaping the future of TVET. Together, the panelists will reflect on the key themes discussed throughout the Conference, including apprenticeships, foundational skills, skills development in fragile economies, addressing gender gaps in skills, and preparing for the green economy.

One crucial topic that will be addressed is the importance of foundational skills in TVET. This theme builds on the insights from an earlier session, “Brick by brick: Foundational skills for better TVET“, taking place from 11:00 to 12:00 (GMT +2). In that discussion, experts from UNESCO, ADEA, and industry leaders, will explore how TVET systems can address the critical gap in foundational skills among millions of young people worldwide.

Attendees of both sessions will gain a comprehensive understanding of this vital issue and its place in the global TVET agenda. The closing plenary will specifically offer insights into topics from the role of industry leaders in supporting education and workforce preparation, to the implementation of international policies and frameworks for advancing skill systems. Experts will share strategies to close skill gaps and enhance TVET’s global impact, building on the foundational skills dialogue from earlier in the day.

Ready to be part of discussions that will influence the future of skills development worldwide? Register now for WorldSkills Conference 2024 and download the event app, Whova, to RSVP for sessions and create your own schedule.

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Award-winning journalist Georgie Ndirangu will moderate a panel featuring insights from four distinguished experts:

• Mike Haley, Senior Vice President Research, Autodesk
• Oliver Niese, Head of Digital Business Festo and Board Member Festo Didactic
• Mirek Pospíšil, Head of Public Policy France, Senior Lead Manager EU Public Policy and Government Affairs, LinkedIn
• Shweta Ratanpura, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for Asia

The panel will discuss the latest AI developments in their respective fields and explore how these advancements will impact both work and learning. For example, in manufacturing, AI-powered predictive maintenance is reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. While in graphic design, AI tools are automating routine tasks allowing designers to focus on higher-level creative work. These shifts are creating new skill demands that TVET systems must address.

Mike Haley, representing global software and technology company Autodesk, brings a unique perspective to the panel. As a longstanding Global Partner of WorldSkills, Autodesk has been instrumental in bridging the gap between students, educators, and industry leaders worldwide.

Drawing on his experience as Senior Vice President of Autodesk Research, Haley emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in design and manufacturing. He says, “At Autodesk, we see AI as a powerful tool for augmenting human creativity and problem-solving abilities. AI is enabling designers to tackle complex real-world challenges with unprecedented efficiency, including climate change and sustainable design. We view AI not as a replacement for human creativity but enhancing it and making advanced design capabilities accessible to more people.” 

Haley also highlights the importance of adapting education to this new reality. He says, “As AI becomes integral across the industries that we serve, we must all rethink how we approach education and skills development for the next generation of Design and Make leaders.”  

His hope is that this session and WorldSkills Conference 2024 more broadly, will spark much-needed conversations about how students, educators, and industry can work together to develop personalized learning experiences and break down barriers to access. He explains, “The key is to not only foster a mindset of lifelong learning; we must also increase collaboration across industry and academia to help young people pursuing a wide range of career paths get the skills they need before entering a rapidly evolving workforce.” 

Shweta Ratanpura will bring the voice of youth to the panel, sharing her insights on AI for equitable access to skills. As the first woman to win a WorldSkills Medal for India and an active advocate for equitable access to skills, Shweta believes AI offers a significant opportunity for marginalized individuals outside established education systems.

She states, “AI provides us with the chance to deliver accessible education to millions by overcoming barriers related to language, culture, geography, and time. Creating personalized learning programs will become more feasible with AI.” She adds, “However, access to technology is not equal, so we need to consider ways to develop fairer technology infrastructure to ensure it’s not just the privileged few who benefit from this mode of learning.”

Educators attending the session will gain valuable insights into emerging skill requirements across industries, helping to align curriculum with real-world needs. Industry leaders will learn about innovative approaches to workforce development and potential partnerships with educational institutions. Policymakers will benefit from understanding the challenges and opportunities in preparing a workforce for an AI-driven economy, informing future policy decisions.

By bringing together perspectives from leading technology companies and skilled professionals, this session at WorldSkills Conference 2024 aims to chart a course for a more adaptive and responsive education system.

Whether you are an educator, industry leader, policymaker, or skilled professional passionate about the future of work and learning, join us on 12 September for expert insights that will guide your decision-making in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Join the Conference as we shape the future of TVET. Find out more about registration, speakers, and the sessions.

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Against the backdrop of the upcoming UN Summit of the Future from 22 to 23 September, which will shape global cooperation and development strategies, this plenary brings together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from around the world. Their mission: to chart a course for prioritizing TVET globally and create concrete actions for countries to strengthen their TVET systems.

After welcome speeches from Chris Humphries, President of WorldSkills, and a representative from French government, the award-winning journalist Georgie Ndirangu will moderate a panel of six international experts:

• Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights
• Prof. Mohamed Belhocine, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, African Union
• Mia Seppo, Assistant Director General, International Labour Organization (ILO)
• Yoshiki Takeuchi, Deputy Secretary-General, OECD
• Christopher J. Nelson, Chief Operating Officer, Stanley Black & Decker
• Sonya Hill, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for Americas

Together, they will explore recent TVET developments across regions and sectors, discussing how evolving global labour markets and technological advancements are reshaping skill requirements and learning approaches in TVET. Key topics include bridging skills gaps, boosting educational innovation, addressing skills development challenges, linking skills with social justice, and ensuring inclusive skills development.

Sonya Hill, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for The Americas, works as a Sales Engineer in renewable energy and brings a vital perspective to the conversation. Her journey from competing in Mobile Robotics at WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition to the solar power industry illustrates the transformative power of TVET.

Sonya notes the importance of skills education in economic development. She said, “As the only woman participant in Mobile Robotics at WorldSkills Special Edition Competition 2022 in Bordeaux, I aspire to make a significant impact in male-dominated skill areas by bridging the gender gap and encouraging women to pursue these careers.” Her insights will be crucial in addressing gender disparities and promoting TVET as an exciting career pathway.

High-level representatives from the ILO, OECD, and African Union underscore this conversation’s global significance. They will share visions for effective, inclusive skills systems, and discuss international collaboration strategies.

Christopher J. Nelson, Chief Operating Officer at, Stanley Black and Decker, a WorldSkills International Global Partner, will provide industry insight, addressing the critical role of business in shaping skill systems. With high demand alongside skilled labour shortages in the trades sector, Nelson’s perspective on industry-government collaboration will be invaluable.

This session offers WorldSkills Members, policymakers and government officials a unique opportunity to shape a global TVET agenda and learn about excellence in skills development systems. Educators and industry leaders will gain insights into positioning TVET as a critical component of sustainable development. Young people who are beginning their careers in skilled work will leave with a more thorough understanding of the global context of their field and be inspired to become advocates for TVET in their communities and workplaces.

These expert insights will be further explored and expanded upon in the subsequent session, Raising the bar: How do we create excellence in every TVET system?, from 11:30 to 12:45 (GMT+2). This high-level policy debate will focus on achieving excellence in TVET across different regions and contexts, featuring perspectives from Germany, Hong Kong, the World Bank, and Zambia, alongside youth interventions from WorldSkills Champions Trust representatives.

Ready to be part of discussions that will influence the future of skills development worldwide? Register now for WorldSkills Conference 2024 and download the event app to RSVP for sessions and create your own schedule.

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