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). -
WorldSkills South Africa National Competition, Conference and Career Festival
8-12 March 2026
Chief Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre, KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa
Over 200 Students from TVET Colleges, universities of technology and other private training service providers will participate in 27 skill areas and winners will proceed to represent South Africa in the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China in September 2026.
The WSZA Conference will be attended by over 500 delegates at the DICC with others joining virtually from across the world. Held under the theme; “Building a skilled and competitive workforce for the future”, the conference seeks to bring policymakers, employers, industry experts and young people to engage on the future of work, emerging occupations and pathways into sustainable employment.
The Career Festival will be attended by high school leaners from different districts including Ugu, iLembe and uMgungundlovu, unemployed youth and members of the public. The Career Festival provides exposure to real employers, artisan career pathways, apprenticeships and further training opportunities.
May 2026
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Swedish National Skills Competition 2026 (Yrkes-SM 2026)
4-6 May 2026
Stockholmsmässan, Stockholm, Sweden
The goal of the Swedish National Skills Competition (Yrkes-SM) is to improve the quality and attractiveness of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Sweden.
At the Swedish National Skills Competition, young professionals compete and showcase excellence in skills in their chosen profession. More than thirty-five skills, out of the over seventy-five skills shown during the Swedish National Skills Competition 2026, offer Official Competitions.
The Swedish National Skills Competition is the largest vocational education and training event organized in Sweden. This year we are expecting up to 45,000 visitors.
Visitors will have the opportunity to:
• View over thirty-five Skills Competitions, out of the over seventy-five skills participating.
• Watch over 200 Competitors from all over Sweden compete in their Skills.
• ”Try-a-Skill” in all Skills.
• Learn about the Swedish school system and the future of Skills in Sweden.
• Take part in the “WSS programme for International Guests.”
The Swedish National Skills Competition is also an opportunity to network with Swedish corporations, innovators, and Experts in their respective fields, as well as with educational centers and institutes.
In addition to the Swedish National Skills Competition 2026, we will also host the finale of this year’s Jobs Tournament in one of the event halls. The Jobs Tournament is a WorldSkills Sweden initiative that teach Year 8 pupils about VET, in a fun and exciting way through competition. During the finale, pupils will represent their class in teams of five and compete in team challenges. All challenges correspond to different Upper Secondary School’s VET programs. In the end, one class will win 15,000 SEK and the title of ”Sweden’s most knowledgeable class in VET”. All visitors are welcome to watch the competition.
Overall, the Swedish National Skills Competition will be three-day event filled with creativity, exploration, and a showcase of extraordinary skills and talent! -
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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SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference
1-5 June 2026
Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) is the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce and the ultimate recognition of excellence in career and technical education. Held in Atlanta each June, the NLSC is a week-long celebration of the skilled trades and the accomplishments of career-ready leaders from across the United States.
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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
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Washington Leadership Training Conference
26-30 September 2026
Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
Held in Washington, D.C., each September, SkillsUSA’s Washington Leadership Training Institute conference (WLTI) offers students and advisors from across the country unique opportunities to advocate for the skilled trades while receiving advanced leadership training.
November 2026
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Startech's Days 2026
15-17 November 2026
Wex Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium
The Startech’s Days is the flagship event dedicated to promoting technical, technological, and scientific skills.
In one single place and over three days, you will find:
• 100 hands-on skills discovery activities
• 31 National Skills Championship finals
• 1 guidance area
• 1 conference program
Free event!
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.
March 2028
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CPW2028 Aichi
21-24 March 2028
Japan
November 2028
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WorldSkills Aichi 2028
15-20 November 2028
Aichi, Japan