Brazilian National Competition arrives in Belo Horizonte

From 3 to 6 September the Olimpíada de Conhecimento was held, the Brazilian National Competition, in which local Competitors compete for a chance to represent Brazil at WorldSkills São Paulo 2015.

During the four days of the Competition, more than 300,000 visitors passed through Expominas in Belo Horizonte, to get a close look at the talents of about 800 Competitors, competing in 58 skills in the construction, manufacturing, creative, information technology, transportation, service and agricultural sectors.

One hundred and eighty medals of gold, silver, and bronze, were presented by leaders of the National Service for Industrial Training Brazil (SENAI), the Competition Organizer, and other business leaders.

Alongside the first place winners, 88 Competitors from the "Top One" project joined in competition for a position on the WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 team. To Rafael Lucchesi, Director General of SENAI, the expectation is that the Competition positively impacts the interest of youngsters for professional education.

"That's what happened in Finland when the country hosted WorldSkills in 2005. Today, 50% of young people in the country are in technical education," said Rafael, who is also a board member of WorldSkills International.

WorldSkills 2015 São Paulo brand presence during OC2014

Visitors who passed through the Olimpíada de Conhecimento had the chance to learn a little more about the 43rd WorldSkills Competition. The organizers of WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 set up a booth of 50 m² to present the Competition to the public. A video about the event and a large map with the list of 59 participating countries were exhibited. Those who visited the area also received an exclusive WorldSkills São Paulo in 2015 tote bag with a set of pens and pencils, and a notepad.

Special visits

During the Competition, the WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 booth got visited by the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff and Minister of Education, José Henrique Paim Fernandes, received by the President of WorldSkills International, Simon Bartley and CEO, David Hoey.

On the occasion, Dilma Rousseff showed great enthusiasm and commented that her desire is to see a modern, inclusive, productive and competitive Brazil.

"I consider the eighth Olimpíada de Conhecimento and the WorldSkills Competition, as the great signs of the future in this area. They form a link between industry, academia, researchers, laboratories and government, showing that it is this partnership is that moves Brazil forward. It’s not just one pushing, all are pushing together. "

For CEO David Hoey, these competitions showcase the future in relation to the professional market, and show that it is indeed possible to choose a career according to one’s own abilities.

WorldSkills is presented during the National Confederation of Industry meeting

On 2 September, during a meeting led by Robson Braga, President of the National Confederation of Industry, Simon Bartley and David Hoey presented WorldSkills to the 27 state Brazilian Federations of Industry.

"The WorldSkills Competition is not an end in itself. It is a tool to strengthen the mission and vision of WorldSkills International, which leaves a legacy of the importance of professional education for the country, " said Bartley.

Robson Braga, president of CNI, said that the involvement of all directors of SENAI and SESI in the preparation of the Competition may change the point of view of young people about technical education and its contribution to Brazilian industry.

"We’re not just a making Competition. We will show those inside and outside Brazil the preparation of our students and the Brazilian industry. We will prepare young people for future careers, successful careers," Braga finished.