Competitors from Portugal and Spain revive the beginnings of WorldSkills

Inspired by the original competition that launched the WorldSkills movement, more than 20 young professionals from Portugal and Spain came together for a friendly competition at the WorldSkills Commemorative Edition 1950–2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.

From 4 to 8 November, the six skills from that modest first championship – including Industrial Mechanics, Electrical Installations, and Cabinetmaking – were recreated in their current forms. Five additional skills were offered for online participation, illustrating the continual transformation and modernization of the WorldSkills movement.

The event took place at the Marquês de Pombal Industrial School, which hosted the 13th International Training Competition in 1964, the only WorldSkills Competition Portugal has hosted to date. Returning to the same venue for this commemorative event highlighted Portugal’s enduring commitment to the WorldSkills movement and to promoting excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Portugal is the only Member to have participated in every WorldSkills Competition.

During the week, a series of talks reflected on the power of skills to transform lives, economies, and countries. National and international speakers – many from the WorldSkills community, including Experts, Sponsors, Competitors, and Delegates – took part in the sessions. Visitors were also able to view an exhibition celebrating 75 years of WorldSkills.

Presented by Fátima Lopes, Ambassador of WorldSkills Portugal, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies brought together government representatives, Champions, Experts, trainers, and other members of the TVET community in Portugal, as well as Partners and Sponsors. They were also attended by WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for MENA, Narmeen Almarzooqi, and President of WorldSkills, Francis Hourant.

Speaking at the Closing Ceremony, Mr Hourant honoured the founders of the WorldSkills movement and their enduring vision. He called on attendees to recommit to the next generation – those who will shape the next 75 years – and to ensure that skills remain a force for inclusion, hope, and peace in the world.

“In every WorldSkills Competition, we witness excellence in technical mastery. But what truly distinguishes our young Champions is not what they do. It is how they do it. They are creative. They problem-solve. They respect one another across cultures and languages,” he said. “Today, the world faces uncertainty, economic, social, and environmental. But within our community, we see something profoundly hopeful: young people using their skills not to compete against each other, but to build together.”

Across both ceremonies, Certificates of Merit were awarded to individuals for their exceptional contributions to strengthening the WorldSkills movement in Portugal and internationally, paying tribute to their dedication, talent, and impact.

The WorldSkills Commemorative Edition 1950–2025 demonstrated that the same spirit of collaboration and aspiration lives on in every Competitor, Expert, educator, and Partner who believes that skills are the foundation of human progress.