From December 1-3, Europe’s largest skills competition EuroSkills 2016 took place in Svenska Mässan. 500 young skilled workers, from 28 countries, competed over 3 days in 35 skills for the title Best of Europe. EuroSkills Gothenburg 2016 was hosted by WorldSkills Sweden (a member of WorldSkills Europe), Göteborg & Co and the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre.
The long awaited results were made official during a spectacular Closing Ceremony at Scandinavium. In front of their experts, team leaders, families, friends, volunteers and officials from the many European countries – medals of gold silver and bronze, were awarded to the Competitors, as well as a ‘Best of Nation’ from every participating country. A special award was given to the Competitor with the overall best result, making her the ‘Best of Europe’. This award was given to Lisa Janisch from Austria in the skill Painting and Decorating. Out of the 28 nations that competed Austria came in 1st, followed by Finland and France. The ceremony culminated with the tradition where the host country, Sweden hands over the EuroSkills flag to the next host. In this case EuroSkills Budapest 2018.
The medals are designed by artist Carolina Claesson and are made to be a symbol reflecting the pride and joy in representing a profession through a partnership between the school, business and culture. The production of the medals was done via CNC Milling with help from students at Lindholmens Technology School.
The European Commissioner Marianne Thyssen made a video greeting during the ceremony ‘This Closing Ceremony is a bridge to the first ever European Vocational Skills Week. Quality Vocational Education and training is a springboard to exciting carreers and it helps you gain lifelong learning skills for a full and rich life. At the European commission we want to recognise and promote this. Our motto for the week Is ‘discover your talents’. This is also what your are doing here at the EuroSkills Competition – discorvering and showcasing your talents.’
The Best of Europe was invited to join the European Vocational Skills Week in Brussels, to accept a special award from the European Commissioner.
EuroSkills 2016 isn’t just about competing: for the visitors it is about discovering and trying trades, getting information about training programs and meeting tomorrow’s highly qualified young European professionals. It is the place where the European leaders of industry, education and training will come together at seminars, conferences and meetings. In a competitive and constantly changing world, skills competitions motivates and inspires future generations to ensure that they understand that skills can provide personal and professional fulfillment.
See here all Skills medals.
See here Members by total medal.