Countdowns, cheers, and celebrations mark the end of WorldSkills Competition 2024

It was five years in the making but now, after a few short days, WorldSkills Lyon 2024 is almost complete. The 62 skill competitions have finished and Competitors can breathe a huge sigh of relief. They are all WorldSkills Champions now.

For anyone in Eurexpo Lyon this afternoon, the atmosphere was electric. Skill Management Teams in every workshop counted down the minutes and seconds. Focus intensified as Competitors put the finishing touches to their Test Projects, and visitors gathered excitedly around the stations getting ready to celebrate.

When the signal came, cheers went up from supporters and Experts embraced Competitors. Everyone had given their all for the last four days, and now they could relax knowing that they had done their best.

David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, was amongst the workshops at Eurexpo Lyon to witness the final few moments of the Competition. As the final skill competitions ended, he reflected, “Every Champion and every team should be proud of their success. It is time to reward their hard work and begin celebrating, starting with tomorrow’s Closing Ceremony!”

For the Competitors, WorldSkills Lyon 2024 represents the culmination of years of training. Supported by their Experts and with the backing of their teachers, friends, and families, these young Champions have honed their technical abilities and shown their talent alongside the world’s best.

Jane Stokie, Director of Skills Competitions for WorldSkills International reflected on what these incredible Champions will take away from the week. She says, “They might not fully appreciate it yet, but this experience will have forged some long-lasting friendships and professional networks. It will have raised their profile with future employers. And it will have honed some important life skills, everything from time management and working as a team, to resilience and self-confidence. These technical and life skills will now be a springboard to help them propel into new careers and opportunities.”

The impact will live with more than just the Competitors. Since 10 September, WorldSkills Lyon 2024 has drawn tens of thousands of visitors, including over 75,000 students, who have had a chance to watch the skilled young people in action and to try their hand at different skills for themselves. The hope is that each of them will take away a new perspective about the value of skills, inspiring the next generation of talent.

However, the event is not quite over.

Tomorrow’s Closing Ceremony will celebrate the dedication and accomplishments of all Champions, awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals to the top performers in each skill competition. Additionally, Medallions for Excellence will recognize outstanding achievements, while Best of Nation awards will highlight national talent. The pinnacle of recognition, the prestigious Albert Vidal Award, will be presented to the Competitor with the highest score overall.

Even before the Closing Ceremony, it is clear that the 47th WorldSkills Competition has been a success. A powerful platform for skills excellence, it has laid the groundwork for these talented young professionals to shape the future of their communities, their industries, and their nations.

To join in the celebrations, watch the Closing Ceremony and follow the news as it unfolds on our social channels.

WorldSkills Lyon 2024

WorldSkills Lyon 2024, 10 to 15 September, is the world’s largest international skills competition, featuring 1,400 Competitors from almost 70 countries and regions. The 47th WorldSkills Competition showcases excellence in young skilled talent, while also bringing industry, education, and government leaders together to move skills to the top of the global agenda. WorldSkills is highlighting the critical role skills play in addressing global challenges, boosting economies and industries, and promoting excellence.