WorldSkills Champions Trust representative João Teixeira is mobilizing young people to use skills to build a better future

João is passionate about using skills for transformation. Ever since he was selected as a WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for Europe, he has taken part in many high-profile Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) events. He uses his platform, his voice and his experience to show how important skills are in building a more sustainable and prosperous future for our planet’s young people.

One of his highlights was the part he played in the European Year of Skills 2023. During EuroSkills Gdansk 2023, João spoke to European press and fronted promotional events to help raise awareness of the power of skills for social and economic development. He also participated in the 6th International Congress on Education and Training, under the banner of “Skills are the Future”, which explored global trends and tackled the most pressing challenges on how to use education and skills for transformation.

Indeed, João believes that our future will only be made better with skills. He is determined to spread the word to shift the public perception of TVET and to advocate for policy reform. He sees this misperception as a cause for frustration among young people in Portugal, his home country, and is actively using his platform as a WorldSkills Champions Trust representative to change it. Regardless of whether he is meeting young people or policymakers, his message is the same. He says to them, “The future is skills. We are made of skills. Look for what you like and go for it.”

João was drawn to his own skill, Mechanical Engineering CAD, because it has the power to create a better world. He reflects, “That’s what I like about it. We can design anything and make it happen in real life. We have no limits with CAD software.”

He first came across CENFIM, the national vocational training centre for the metallurgic and metalworking industry, while searching for options beyond high school education. He took a course in CAD design and, soon after, competed at the WorldSkills Portugal nationals. His success in his skills saw him progress onto EuroSkills and finally WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition in Bordeaux, where he won a gold medal in Mechanical Engineering CAD.

João is now an instructor at CENFIM, the same vocational centre where he started his WorldSkills journey, training young people in CAD design. So when he is not standing on stages or talking at podiums about the potential of skills, João works as a teacher and trainer for future WorldSkills Competitors. He advises and guides them through their skills journey, all while pursuing his own studies, setting a true example of hard work and persistence.

João hopes his experiences will inspire other Champions to follow in his footsteps and consider becoming a WorldSkills Champions Trust representative. Applications are now open for the next cohort for 2025 to 2026, in the run-up to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Like João, the new representatives will have a chance to participate in WorldSkills events, contribute to thought leadership panels, speak at conferences, and create inspiring content so that more people value the power of skills.

If you want to use your skills to build a better, transformed future, then apply now. Find out more about the process, including eligibility criteria and deadlines.