Champions Trust Training Camp in Shanghai

A new group of 10 Champions representing 10 skills, from 10 Member countries were in Shanghai, China to start their two-year journey as part of the Champions Trust. The week-long training camp transitioned them from Champions to WorldSkills ambassadors through a series of personal development training, public speaking, and leadership exercises. 

“Over the next two years I am most looking forward to working with my colleagues and trying my best,” said Tjihimise (Bruno) Karaerua of Namibia. “The Champions Trust are amazing people that are so motivated. They are just awesome.”

One of three returning representatives of the Champions Trust from the 2015 to 2017 group, Anna Prokopenia said, “Our goals are to create ways for Champions to stay connected to WorldSkills, be the voice of WorldSkills, and increase the profile of the Champions Trust around the globe.”

“The support of the Board of Directors in our work is amazing. The trust they have in our work will ensure the Champions Trust continues to grow and create substantial outcomes," said Anna after the week of training held in conjunction with the WorldSkills Board of Directors and CEO/NSO meeting in China.

The Champions Trust representatives are:

• Amelia Addis, New Zealand, Floristry, WorldSkills São Paulo 2015, representing ASEAN/Oceania
• Tjihimise (Bruno) Karaerua, Namibia, Electrical Installations, WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, representing Africa
• Ka (Pearl) Yu So, Hong Kong, China, Visual Merchandising and Window Dressing, WorldSkills São Paulo 2015, representing Asia
• Caroline Söderqvist, Sweden, Aircraft Maintenance, WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, representing Europe
• Jacqueline Tanzer, Austria, Graphic Design Technology, WorldSkills São Paulo 2015, representing Europe
• Kieron Kohlmann, United States of America, Automobile Technology, WorldSkills Leipzig 2013, representing Americas
• Giovanny Andres Sanchez Capera, Colombia, Mechanical Engineering CAD, WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, representing Americas
• Anna Prokopenia, Russia, Pâtisserie and Confectionery, WorldSkills São Paulo 2015, representing Europe
• Gary Condon, Ireland, Plastering and Drywall Systems, WorldSkills London 2011, representing Asia (living in UAE) Middle East and North Africa
•  Chirag Goel, India, Web Design, WorldSkills São Paulo 2015, representing Asia

The training camp included a series of professional development exercises that saw the Champions develop their speaking and media skills. Over the next two years they will serve as Ambassadors at their regions National and Regional Skills Competitions, as well as conferences and events. 

WorldSkills Champions Trust was developed by Champions for Champions at the WorldSkills Champions Forum 2014 in Lucerne, Switzerland. Their idea was to establish an advisory group to works closely throughout the year with WorldSkills.