How GROHE gathered the global plumbing industry for WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition

One of WorldSkills newest Global Industry Partners, GROHE, was the venue host of Plumbing and Heating at the 46th WorldSkills Competition. The leading global brand for bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings adapted their production site and training centre in Lahr, Germany to welcome 20 Competitors and over 1,000 visitors.

Florian Bliem – from neighbouring Austria – won the gold medal, followed by silver Medallists Tom Pean and Marton Offner from France and Hungary, and Tai-Yu Chen from Chinese Taipei, achieved bronze.

GROHE joined WorldSkills in April 2022 as part of its strategy to use skills training to grow the industry by developing the next generation of skilled technicians. Through their GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education (GIVE) Program, the brand supports plumbing schools and technical schools all over the world with equipment and expertise.

“The WorldSkills Special Edition in Lahr has been an extraordinary experience,” said Timo Kurz, Leader GIVE Program & WorldSkills, LIXIL EMENA. “You could not only feel the excitement amongst the Competitors and Experts but also amongst the almost 1,000 visitors who were really enjoying this event. One of my favourite highlights was watching the contestants during the three days of Competition focused and determined as they worked and really showcased the best plumbing and heating skills.”

“A big thanks goes to the Grohe team who made this fantastic event a reality. Without their support we wouldn’t be able to show the world the strength of the Grohe products and technologies and the power of the plumbing skill,” added Timo.

Visitors to the event, which took place from 2 to 4 November 2022, had the chance to explore the GROHE brand via the GROHE Professional product portfolio. They could build their own GROHE hand shower under professional supervision as part the Try-a-Skill activities.

“I am really proud of the young talent in our industry. We have witnessed so much passion, enthusiasm and dedication to their work at the WorldSkills Special Edition in Lahr. All contestants can be very proud, they represent the future of our industry,“ said Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA.

On the sidelines of the skill competition, three young students from the GROHE Installer Vocational Training & Education Program (GIVE) in Lviv, Ukraine were sponsored to take part in a workshop during the Competition.

The project was part of a skills development and capacity-building programme by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the World Plumbing Council carried forward from WorldSkills Kazan 2019.

The event, attended by GROHE clients and partners, trainers from the GIVE Program, and industry decision-makers, was a perfect platform to discuss the sanitary sector’s skill gap. The panel talk, “Bringing on the next generation of skilled installers”, was a thought-provoking discussion on how to make the profession more attractive to young people as the current generation of plumbers retires.

The panellists discussed how to promote environmental concerns, as well as how to build pride in an industry that has a vital role in solving major challenges facing the world. The industry must also work towards greater diversity and inclusivity, bringing more women into the profession.

Thanks to the commitment of Partners and Members, WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition included 62 skill competitions held over 12 weeks in 15 countries and regions between 7 September and 26 November 2022.

Find more information, results, and news about the 46th WorldSkills Competition on the website.