Make your mark with us. The search begins for the next WorldSkills Champions Trust representatives

Today, WorldSkills launches its recruitment campaign to find the next cohort of WorldSkills Champions Trust representatives who will serve in 2025 and 2026 in the run up to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Under the banner of “Make Your Mark With Us”, Champions from the last three WorldSkills Competitions are being encouraged to apply and join this very special network of skills advocates.

This next cohort of inspiring young people will be selected from WorldSkills Champions who competed at WorldSkills Kazan 2019, WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition, and WorldSkills Lyon 2024 - are eligible to apply and can find more details on the process. As all Competitors who take part in a WorldSkills Competition are Champions, applicants do not have to have won a medal to apply for the Champions Trust.

Since it began in 2014, the WorldSkills Champions Trust has brought the voice of youth to the heart of some of our most important global skills conversations. Over the last decade, 36 representatives have offered their time and energy to advocate for skills. They have sat on UN discussion panels, spoken at World Youth Skills Day, debated issues such as green skills and gender equity, toured the world to promote WorldSkills Competitions and events, and encouraged young students to think about a career in skills.

The WorldSkills Champions Trust are chosen to represent every corner of the globe. They are as diverse as the skills and regions they represent and bring an authentic voice to critical discussions around how to improve Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems, how to build capacity on the ground, and how to inspire more people to invest in skills, so communities, industries and economies can thrive.

The current cohort of WorldSkills Champions Trust representatives have more than “made their mark” over the last two years, and will be an important part of WorldSkills Lyon 2024. They will finish their term at the end of this year and, without exception, these 11 young people say they have valued their time on the Champions Trust.

Melkon Hovhannisyan, **WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for Asia, says he has grown in confidence through the experience. He reflects, “I have stepped out of my comfort zone and engaged with other people and cultures.”

While Justina Ashiyana, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for Africa, has used her role to improve gender equity. She says, “I want to encourage other women to rise to the challenge and to follow their passion, irrespective of stereotypical perceptions and gender domination of certain trades.”

Interested Champions must demonstrate a passion for skills excellence, have good communications skills in English, be willing to travel to new countries and regions, and be ready to represent WorldSkills at its landmark events, culminating in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Recruitment is open from 1 August 2024 until 10 October 2024 and applicants are encouraged to read the eligibility criteria before applying.

Good luck with your entry and we cannot wait to hear how you will make your mark with us!