Events
If you think our calendar is missing an event, please contact Oliver Dubois du Bellay, Projects and Member Services Coordinator.
March 2026
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UNIDO - Demand-Driven Skills for Youth Empowerment and Industrial Transformation
3 March 2026
Vienna International Centre, Vienna, Austria
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) recognizes the central role of skills development in advancing Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (ISID), particularly in a context of rapid technological change, demographic pressures, and the transition toward greener and more resilient economies. In this context, equipping young people with relevant, demand-driven skills is essential to support industrial transformation, foster innovation, and advance the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Reflecting this approach, UNIDO’s recently launched Youth Empowerment Framework identifies employability and skills development as one of its four core pillars, emphasizing access to demand-driven technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and lifelong learning as key enablers for young people to engage in productive work, expand economic opportunities, and contribute as agents of change to more sustainable and inclusive economies.
Demand-driven skills development requires closer alignment between employers and training institutions, improved methodologies for skills needs assessment and anticipation, and more effective tools to evaluate youth skills and readiness for work. Ensuring inclusive access to these opportunities, particularly for young women and marginalized groups, remains a critical priority.
Building on the UNIDO–WorldSkills Joint Declaration signed at the WorldSkills General Assembly in Dubrovnik on October 2025, the present event convenes representatives from UNIDO and its Member States, WorldSkills and its Coalition Members, alongside public- and private-sector partners, and the skills development community. Through panels, short presentations, and fireside chats, the event will showcase practical approaches, tools, global and industry-led initiatives that strengthen demand-driven skills development and support industrial transformation.
This is a hybrid event taking place on 03 of March 2026. 14:00 – 17:00 (CET).
May 2026
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National Competition of Vocational School Students – WorldSkills Croatia 2026
5-7 May 2026
Zagreb Fair, Zagreb, Croatia
From 5th to 7th May 2026 Zagreb will host seventh National Competition of Vocational School Students – WorldSkills Croatia 2026. It will take place at the Zagreb Fair, and host more than 350 competitors who will compete in 44 skills. The event will include interactive workshops, lectures, skill demonstrations, live competitions, and presentations of new technologies and industry trends.
WorldSkills Croatia 2026 will continue a good tradition of hosting international competitors and experts, since this has proven to be an excellent practice important in preparation process for WorldSkills and EuroSkills competitions, but also for exchanging knowledge and good practices. More than 10.000 visitors are expected to visit the competition, especially students of final grades of elementary schools. Event will be media covered.
WorldSkills Croatia 2026 has a key importance in a long-term work of Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education in promotion of vocational skills, innovation and excellence. Strengthening international cooperation in WorldSkills and EuroSkills communities through participation of international participants in WorldSkills Croatia competition is also important role of this event. -
Taitaja2026 Keski-Uusimaa - Finnish National Skills Competition
18-21 May 2026
Tuusula, Finland
Around 50 skills, over 400 competitors and tens of thousands of visitors together create Taitaja, the biggest educational event in Finland. In 2026, the event is organised by Keuda, Vocational Education and Training Institute, together with Skills Finland and their partners. Taitaja aims to promote vocational education, improve connections between vocational schools and companies, and increase the awareness of vocational education and professional skills. The event is free of charge and open for public.
June 2026
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WorldSkills Australia 2026 Global Skills Challenge
24-28 June 2026
Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
The Global Skills Challenge will be the biggest international skills excellence event to be held in Australia in 2026. It is important to note that the event will be held across 3 TAFE NSW Campuses in Wollongong NSW.
The 2026 Global Skills Challenge is a simulated international competition, an important part of the Australian Skillaroos training in the lead up to the 48th WorldSkills International Competition being held in Shanghai, China and will attempt to replicate the International Competition for 35 Skills with the competition held over 4 days using CIS for marking & assessment ahead of WSC2026 Shanghai.
For more details or to express your interest please contact Brigitte Collins bcollins@worldskills.org.au.
September 2026
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WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
May 2027
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Taitaja & Abilympics Helsinki 2027
10-13 May 2027
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, Finland
Two competitions under one roof: the Finnish national skills competition Taitaja and the international skills competition Abilympics for professionals with special needs. Together, they form Skills Games - a major event featuring up to 80 skills. Skills Games highlights the potential of vocational professionals requiring special support and provides young people with a broad view of the diverse opportunities in vocational education. The competition event is organised by Skills Finland and Omnia, the Joint Authority of Education in the Espoo region, together with 20 vocational institutes in Finland. The event is free of charge and open for public.
September 2027
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EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027 - SKILLS! Shape Your Future
22-26 September 2027
Düsseldorf, Germany
This time – and for the first time ever – two countries, Germany and Luxembourg, are working together to create something major. With this partnership we want to break new ground, cross boundaries and drive innovation forward. EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027 shall inspire more young people all over Europe to think about their futures and leave a lasting positive impression on their attitudes towards skill-based education. We are keen on international exchange, on the development and training of educational centres and educational personnel. We want everyone involved to learn from and with each other.
November 2028
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WorldSkills Aichi 2028
15-20 November 2028
Aichi, Japan