WorldSkills Croatia 2026 celebrates top skills talent
WorldSkills Croatia 2026 brought together 370 of Croatia’s top vocational school students to compete in 44 skill competitions.
From 5-7 May, Zagreb became the focus of skills, innovation, and vocational excellence, with three days of intense competition at the 7th National Competition of Vocational School Students – WorldSkills Croatia 2026, concluding with a spectacular Closing Ceremony and medal presentation.
More than 12,000 people visited the Zagreb Fair to experience firsthand the largest education event in Croatia. The Competition brought together education, industry, and young talent through skills competitions, interactive workshops, career presentations, and demonstrations of modern technologies.
At the heart of the event were 370 of Croatia’s most highly skilled vocational school students competing in 44 skills. Competitors demonstrated precision, creativity, technical expertise, and professionalism across a wide range of skills, from Mechatronics, CNC Technology, and Web Development to Hospitality, Floristry, Healthcare, and Design.
This year’s Competition welcomed more than 1,400 participants, including more than 29 host schools that acted as workshop managers with over 250 teachers and student volunteers supporting the event, alongside over 170 assessment committee members and more than 350 mentors who prepared Competitors for the Competition.
WorldSkills Croatia 2026 covered more than 16,000 square metres of exhibition space and was supported by more than 40 Sponsors and Partners. Visitors had the opportunity to explore Try-a-Skill zones, seven student exhibitions, and numerous interactive presentations that showcased the future of vocational education and careers.
A special focus was placed on primary school students who are currently choosing their future education pathways. The Agency for Vocational Education Training and Adult Education organised free transportation which enabled more than 7,000 students from across Croatia to attend the event. Many of them had the opportunity to try vocational skills for the first time and discover modern professions through hands on experiences.
WorldSkills Croatia 2026 also highlighted its growing international dimension. Participants and representatives from seven countries from three continents took part in the competition, while international visitors arrived from five additional countries. The event once again positioned Zagreb and Croatia as an important European meeting point for skills, innovation, and vocational education.
The Closing Ceremony concluded with the awarding of medals to the Competition’s top performers. The medals recognised not only excellence and dedication among Competitors, but also the commitment of mentors, schools, and partners who continuously contribute to the development of high-quality vocational education in Croatia.
"WorldSkills Croatia represents far more than a competition. It is a platform where young people discover their talents, schools present modern learning opportunities and industry connects with future professionals. Through this event, WorldSkills Croatia continues to promote skills as a key driver of innovation, employability, and economic development,” said Nino Buić of the Agency for Vocational Education and Training, which runs WorldSkills Croatia.
WorldSkills Croatia 2026 medallists
WorldSkills Croatia 2026 was organised by the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education.