Events
If you think our calendar is missing an event, please contact Oliver Dubois du Bellay, Projects and Member Services Coordinator.
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!
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SkillsPoland 2026 - Polish National Skills Competition
26-27 November 2026
Poznań International Fair (MTP), Poznań, Poland
SkillsPoland 2026, Poland's national skills competition, will bring together approximately 240 competitors and 100 experts across 20 skills competitions.
The event will also feature Try a Skill activities, technology showcases, and expert discussions promoting vocational excellence and skills development.
SkillsPoland 2026 serves as a key stage in the selection process for Team Poland ahead of EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027.
The competitions will include: Mechanical Engineering CAD, Graphic Design Technology, IT Network Systems Administration, Mechatronics, Robot Systems Integration, Digital Construction (BIM), CNC Milling, Electrical Installations, Fashion Technology, Cooking, Welding, Plumbing and Heating, Plastering and Drywall Systems, Cabinetmaking, Joinery, Hotel Reception, Heavy Vehicle Technology, Wall and Floor Tiling, Hairdressing, and Bakery.
December 2026
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National Skills Competition Japan 2026
4-7 December 2026
Japan
The National Skills Competition Japan is a skills competition at which young skilled workers compete to be Japan's number one in terms of their level of skill.
One of the event's objectives is to provide a challenge for the young skilled workers who will play leading roles in the next generation.
Another objective is to showcase how important and necessary skills are, especially by providing young people in the regions
hosting events with opportunities to observe exceptional skills at first hand, thereby cultivating a tendency to respect skills.
Competitors who participate in the National Skills Competition are required to be young people (in principle, aged 23 or younger) selected
via organizations such as prefectural vocational ability development associations.
The National Skills Competition held in the year before the WorldSkills Competition also serves as a trial to select Competitors who will be sent to the WorldSkills Competition (with the exception of certain occupations).
January 2027
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SkillsLatvia 2027 semi-finals
12 January to 2 March 2027
Various VET schools and industry companies, Latvia
From 12 January to 2 March 2027, more than 200 young professionals from vocational education institutions across Latvia will compete in the semi-finals of SkillsLatvia 2027, the country's largest national skills competition.
The semi-finals will feature 19 skills competitions across six industry sectors, including information and communication technologies, engineering, construction, creative arts, services, and transport and logistics. Competitions will take place at 10 vocational education institutions and several industry companies throughout Latvia.
Participants will demonstrate their professional knowledge, technical skills and creativity by completing practical tasks developed by industry experts and assessed according to international WorldSkills and EuroSkills standards.
The six highest-scoring competitors in each skill competition will qualify for the SkillsLatvia 2027 National finals, taking place on 28-29 of April in Riga.
Organised by the State Education Development Agency of Latvia (VIAA) in cooperation with vocational education institutions and industry partners, the semi-finals aim to promote skills excellence, strengthen cooperation between education and industry, and inspire young people to pursue successful careers in vocational professions.
February 2027
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SkillsUSA Week
1-5 February 2027
Nationwide, United States of America
Annual celebration in which chapters and state associations promote SkillsUSA and the value of skilled trades, with daily themes (Mission Monday–Future Friday). National officers make virtual chapter visits on Feb. 3.
March 2027
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Skills The Finals
4-5 March 2027
Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, Netherlands
Skills The Finals is the national championship for vocational skills in the Netherlands, where more than 600 top VMBO students and MBO learners compete in nearly 60 professional skill competitions. From culinary arts and technology to construction and beauty, finalists showcase their expertise after qualifying through a series of preliminary rounds. Visitors can experience the excitement firsthand and discover the next generation of skilled professionals in action.
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EmiratesSkills National Competition 2027
15-17 March 2027
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The EmiratesSkills National Competition (ESNC) is the UAE’s national skills competition, organized to identify, develop, and showcase the technical and vocational talents of young Emiratis. It provides participants with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills against national standards, gain valuable competition experience, and prepare for participation in regional and international competitions such as the GCC, AsiaSkills, and WorldSkills.
The competition covers a wide range of technical and vocational skills aligned with industry needs and emerging technologies. Through intensive training, expert coaching, and practical assessments, ESNC supports the development of highly skilled young professionals and contributes to building the UAE’s future workforce.
April 2027
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DM I Skills 2027
7-10 April 2027
DGI-Huset, City of Vejle, Denmark
DM I Skills is the major annual Danish championship for young people from vocational education. Around 300 young people competing to become National champion in 48 competitions. DM I Skills features 48 official skills and 38 demonstration skills.
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XX. Szakma Sztár Festival 2027 – National Vocational Skills Competitions and Career Guidance Festival
21-22 April 2027
Hungexpo Budapest Congress and Exhibition Centre, Hungary
The Szakma Sztár Festival is Hungary’s largest and one of its most significant annual national events dedicated to vocational education and training. Organised by the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK), in cooperation with the National Chamber of Agriculture (NAK), the 2027 edition will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Festival.
The Festival is a flagship event for Hungarian vocational education and training, combining the national finals of vocational skills competitions, an extensive career guidance exhibition, interactive professional demonstrations and activities promoting vocational careers.
The event hosts the final rounds of two major national vocational competitions: the National Vocational Skills Competition (Szakma Kiváló Tanulója Verseny – SZKTV) and the National Vocational Study Competition (Országos Szakmai Tanulmányi Verseny – OSZTV). In 2027, nearly 200 talented students are expected to compete in more than 35 different skill areas, demonstrating their professional knowledge, creativity and practical abilities.
The Festival will cover approximately 19,000 square metres of exhibition space, offering visitors the opportunity to discover a wide range of vocational fields through spectacular demonstrations, hands-on activities and interactive experiences. Its programme also includes presentations of agricultural professions and activities supporting informed career choices.
One of the key objectives of the event is to introduce young people to the opportunities offered by vocational education and training and to support them in making informed decisions about their future educational and career pathways.
We expect nearly 9,000 primary school students, mainly from grades 6 and 7, who are still at the stage of choosing their future educational pathways, to attend the Festival in organised groups from all regions of Hungary. The event will also welcome teachers, vocational trainers, educational institutions and organisations involved in vocational education and training.
The Festival also provides an important platform for the WorldSkills Hungary programme. As part of the event, members of the Hungarian team preparing for EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027 will present their professional skills through live demonstrations in selected skill areas. National selection competitions and friendly preparation activities will also take place in certain skills, offering visitors an insight into the preparation process for international skills competitions.
Through its combination of national competitions, career guidance activities, interactive demonstrations and international skills promotion, the Szakma Sztár Festival plays an important role in strengthening the recognition and attractiveness of vocational education and training, showcasing young talent and inspiring the next generation to explore vocational careers. -
National Competition of Vocational School Students – WorldSkills Croatia 2027
27-29 April 2027
Zagreb Fair, Zagreb, Croatia
National Competition of Vocational School Students – WorldSkills Croatia 2027 will take place for the eighth time from 27th to 29th April 2027 at the Zagreb Fair. Approximately 350 competitors will compete in 42 skills. Various activities will take place on the competition venue, including skills demonstrations, workshops, lectures and presentations from different sectors of science, technology, industry and services.
International participants – competitors, experts and observers, will also take part in competition. WorldSkills Croatia develops cooperation with members of WorldSkills International and WorldSkills Europe communities through hosting international participants, usually as part of their preparations for WorldSkills or EuroSkills competitions.
As in previous years, competition is open for visitors, and entry is free. In three competition days more than 10.000 visitors are expected, including primary school students from all over Croatia who will have opportunity to learn about various professions, try out skills, and participate in career guidance workshops. The competition will have media coverage.
WorldSkills Croatia competition develops through years into strong and recognizable platform for promotion of vocational education, presentation of new technologies, innovation and connecting the world of education with the labor market. -
SkillsLatvia 2027 - National Skills Competition
28-29 April 2027
Ķīpsala Exhibition Centre, Riga, Latvia
Latvia's largest vocational education and skills event, SkillsLatvia, is celebrating its 10th anniversary!
On 28–29 April 2027, Riga will become a meeting place for talented young professionals, vocational education institutions, industry experts and businesses as Latvia hosts the 10th edition of SkillsLatvia – the country's largest national skills competition, organised by the State Education Development Agency of Latvia (VIAA) as part of the international WorldSkills movement.
For a decade, SkillsLatvia has brought together Latvia's most talented young professionals, showcasing excellence in vocational education and inspiring the next generation to discover the exciting opportunities offered by skilled professions.
The event will feature 19 skills competitions, where students from vocational education institutions across Latvia will demonstrate their professional knowledge, technical skills and creativity. Over two days, competitors will complete practical tasks developed by industry experts, reflecting real-world professional standards and the demands of today's labour market, competing for the title of Latvia's best young professional in their respective fields.
At the same time visitors will have an opportunity to experience:
• Try-a-Skill activities – interactive activities to explore different professions, test practical skills and discover potential career paths.
• Live skills competitions and professional demonstrations – a chance to see talented young professionals in action across a wide range of industries, from engineering and information technologies to construction, creative arts and hospitality.
• Vocational education exhibitions – opportunities to explore educational programmes, meet representatives of vocational education institutions and learn about future study and career options.
• Meetings with industry experts and employers – insights into the world of work, emerging technologies and the skills needed in today's labour market.
• Interactive challenges and educational activities – engaging experiences for pupils designed to inspire curiosity, teamwork and interest in vocational skills.
SkillsLatvia 2027 is especially valuable for 6th to 9th grade school students considering their future education and career choices. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the world of vocational education first-hand, discover the diversity of skilled professions and see how practical skills can open doors to rewarding careers.
The event welcomes pupils, teachers, career counsellors, parents, employers, industry professionals and everyone interested in vocational education, skills excellence and the future of work.
Admission is free.
May 2027
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SkillsUSA National Signing Day
5 May 2027
Nationwide, United States of America
Celebration of students entering skilled careers. Students sign letters of intent for a job offer, internship, apprenticeship or further technical training, in front of employers, educators, officials and families.
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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.
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Skills festival "Noor Meister"/"Young Master"
12-14 May 2027
Narova Event Centre, Narva, Estonia
Estonia’s national vocational skills and career event aimed primarily at general education students, offering skills competitions, hands-on workshops, career fair activities and opportunities to explore different professions and vocational education pathways.
12 skills: Bakery and Confectionery, Floristry, Cabinetmaking, CNC Machining, Plumbing, Autobody Repair, Welding, Cyber Security, Fashion Design and Technology, Stylist, Healthcare and Cleaning Services.
June 2027
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WorldSkills Australia 2027 National Championships and Skills Show
3-5 June 2027
Adelaide Showgrounds, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
The 2027 National Championships & Skills Show will bring Australia’s best young skilled professionals together in Adelaide from 3–5 June 2027.
Held every two years, the WorldSkills Australia National Championships is the country’s premier skills competition, showcasing the talent, dedication and technical expertise of apprentices, trainees and students from across Australia. Competitors will go head-to-head across a wide range of skills, putting their knowledge and practical abilities to the test as they strive for national excellence.
The Skills Show will provide an opportunity for visitors to discover the diverse career pathways available through vocational education and training. With interactive experiences, demonstrations and opportunities to meet industry professionals and training providers, the event will inspire the next generation to explore a career in skills. -
SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference and SkillsUSA Champions
21-25 June 2027
Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
The National Leadership & Skills Conference is the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce. It is the ultimate recognition of excellence in career and technical education, bringing together thousands of students, instructors, business partners, and administrators to celebrate the accomplishments of those preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, and it’s an incredible opportunity for students to showcase their talents and skills on the national level. It features the SkillsUSA Championships with 7,000 students vying for honors in more than 100 career and leadership competitions.
September 2027
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SwissSkills 2027
14-18 September 2027
Bernexpo, Bern, Switzerland
SwissSkills 2027, the fifth Swiss National Skills Championships, will take place at BERNEXPO in Bern from September 14 to 18, 2027! For five days, we’ll celebrate the diversity and excellence of Swiss vocational training, with over 1,000 young professionals showcasing their skills. Featuring 150 trades and 95 competitions, the event will bring together Switzerland's best apprentices and recent graduates to compete for the title of Swiss Champion. The top performers will qualify for WorldSkills 2028 in Aichi.
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WorldSkills South Tyrol, Italy - Provincial Skills Competition 2027
15-17 September 2027
Fiera Bolzano, Italy
worldskills-southtyrol-italy.it
The WorldSkills South Tyrol, Italy Provincial Skills Competition brings together young talents from vocational professions to compete according to WorldSkills standards. Besides participants from South Tyrol, the event actively invites and involves competitors, experts, and partners from other Italian regions and international delegations, fostering exchange, cooperation, and excellence in skills development. In addition to the competing skills, the event also includes demonstration skills. These showcase professions that are not yet part of the international programme but are of significant importance for the regional context.
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Washington Leadership Training Institute (WLTI)
18-22 September 2027
Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, Virginia (Washington, D.C. area), United States of America
Advanced leadership training for students and advisors. Includes advocacy for career and technical education, Capitol Hill visits with elected officials, monument tours and a wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery.
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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.
October 2027
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WorldSkills General Assembly Ulaanbaatar 2027
11-16 October 2027
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Skills development is a key pillar of Mongolia’s Vision 2050 strategy for inclusive growth and human capital development. Major reforms are underway to modernize curricula, strengthen teacher training, and align Technical and Vocational Education and Training more closely with industry needs.
By hosting the WorldSkills General Assembly 2027, WorldSkills Mongolia aims to welcome the skills community to experience both its rich heritage and its aspirations — shaping the future through the power of skills.
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WorldSkills GCC Kuwait 2027
24-28 October 2027
Kuwait
Kuwait proudly hosts the WorldSkills GCC Competition, organized by the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), from 21 to 29 October 2027. The competition is the Gulf's regional platform for skills excellence, bringing together the GCC Member countries of WorldSkills International. It will gather the most talented young people from across the Gulf to compete in a range of technical and professional skills.
More than a competition, it is a celebration of Gulf talent and of the shared ambition among GCC countries to invest in skills, inspire young people, and build a strong future for the region. The event also offers students, families, educators and industry a chance to see skills in action and discover the many opportunities that vocational education opens up.
November 2027
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AustrianSkills 2027
18-21 November 2027
Salzburg Exhibition Centre (MZS), Austria
AustrianSkills are the Austrian National Skills Competitions and the official qualification event for Austria's participation in EuroSkills and WorldSkills.
Organized by SkillsAustria in cooperation with professional associations, vocational schools and more than 300 partners, AustrianSkills bring together the country's most talented young professionals to compete at international competition standards.
Over four days, around 500 competitors will demonstrate their skills in approximately 50 skill competitions. The event also offers numerous "Try a Skill" activities, providing visitors with hands-on insights into a wide range of professions and career opportunities.
AustrianSkills are open to the public and serve as a platform to promote vocational excellence, inspire future skilled professionals and showcase the quality of Austria's vocational education and training system.
Together with BIM - Salzburg's Career Information Fair and BeSt - Austria's leading education fair, AustrianSkills forms Austria's largest vocational education and career guidance event.
Event Highlights
• Held every two years
• National qualification event for the Austrian Team
• Competition standards aligned with international WorldSkills and EuroSkills requirements
• Qualification for WorldSkills Aichi 2028 and EuroSkills Geneva 2029
• Part of Austria's largest vocational education and career guidance event
• Open to visitors, school groups and career guidance stakeholders
Approximately
• 50 skills competitions
• 500 competitors
• 21,000 m² competition area
• 30,000 visitors
• BIM and BeSt career fairs on-site
• Try-a-Skill activities
• Numerous vocational education side events
• Thousands of visitors from across Austria
March 2028
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CPW2028 Aichi
21-24 March 2028
Japan
June 2028
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National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) 2028
26-30 June 2028
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
Next year's edition of SkillsUSA's annual national conference and SkillsUSA Championships.
November 2028
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WorldSkills Aichi 2028
15-20 November 2028
Aichi, Japan
The 49th WorldSkills Competition will take place 15–20 November 2028.
September 2029
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EuroSkills Geneva 2029
25-29 September 2029
Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland
EuroSkills is the biggest vocational education and skills excellence event in Europe. Held every two years, EuroSkills sees hundreds of young people from 34 countries across Europe come together to compete for the chance to become the Best in Europe in their chosen skill or profession.
There are competitions and demonstrations in around 45 skills, grouped into six industry sectors: Construction and Building Technology, Creative Arts and Fashion, Information and Communication Technology, Manufacturing and Engineering Technology, Service Industry, and Transportation and Logistics.
EuroSkills Geneva 2029 will be a true showcase of professional excellence, highlighting the passion, expertise and commitment of Europe’s next generation.