WorldSkills and the World Plumbing Council celebrate 20 years of partnership

Last month, WorldSkills and the World Plumbing Council reached a significant milestone. The two partners reconnected at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 to mark twenty successful years together and to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding that committed them to more collaboration in the future.

The ceremony was the culmination of the World Plumbing Council General Members Meeting which takes place each year. For 2024, the World Plumbing Council took the opportunity to host this unique gathering at Eurexpo Lyon, alongside WorldSkills Lyon 2024 and surrounded by nearly 1,400 young skilled people representing the next generation of skilled talent.

Leaders from both organizations attended and took the opportunity to reflect on their collective achievements. Chris Humphries, President of WorldSkills, shared memories of his early involvement with the World Plumbing Council and explained why he feels such great affinity with the plumbing industry. He said, “Plumbing has a powerful part to play in reducing disease and it sits at the heart of public health. So first, I want to thank you for the career you chose and the commitment you have for the industry.”

He continued, “We are here today to mark 20 years of collaborative partnership. This signing today recognizes the opportunities you create for WorldSkills Experts and Competitors. It acknowledges the extraordinary social impact you are having and how you are showing young people the positive role they can have in community development. And it thanks you for the incredible connections you make between leaders of the international industry, employers, and young people. We are proud to work with you.”

Before the signing itself, Chris invited the partners to look to the future saying, “A skilled workforce is an essential element of stable economic development. The World Plumbing Council and WorldSkills are at the forefront of action and, together, I hope we can find more ways to improve energy efficiency, make better use of renewable resources, and support access to clean water for everyone. I have no doubt that water security will stay at the heart of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing the global need for plumbers.”

Chris was then joined by Dave Viola, Chair of the World Plumbing Council, and David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, to re-sign an official Memorandum of Understanding between the organizations: updating an original agreement that was first signed in 2004. Alexander Amiri, Director of Sponsorship and Partnership for WorldSkills International, also joined the celebration.

As each put their name to the updated agreement, Dave thanked WorldSkills for its ongoing support saying, “You have been a great partner to the World Plumbing Council over the years in helping us elevate the profession of plumbing, and I am happy to commemorate this 20-year anniversary with you today in Lyon. I look forward to more great work in the future.”

Learn more about WorldSkills and its partnerships.