WorldSkills Estonia hosts Young Master Skills Festival

Between 13 and 15 May, WorldSkills Estonia transformed the Estonian Exhibition Centre in Tallinn into a bustling hub of activity for its Young Master Skills Festival. Over 200 young TVET students came from 24 schools across Estonia to showcase their skills.

From Hairdressing and Restaurant Service to Mechatronics and Carpentry, some of the country’s most talented young people took part in 20 vocational skill competitions. On the final Competition days, 72 winners were recognized for their skills excellence. The Young Master Skills Festival was attended by the President of the Republic of Estonia, Mr Alar Karis, who watched these skilled young people in action and spoke to the team at WorldSkills Estonia about TVET’s vital role in supporting growth and employment.

Alongside the Competition, the Young Master Skills Festival hosted 18 Try-a-Skill workshops, where students and spectators got the chance to explore different skills. Organized by vocational schools and companies from around Estonia, the hands-on workshops covered everything from jewellery making to welding simulators, electrical circuits to 3D printing. Workshop participants explored the latest TVET trends and opportunities, and were encouraged to consider new and unfamiliar career paths.

Industry leaders also took part in the festival providing practical insights into how new skills were helping to transform some of Estonia’s most important sectors. Maxima Group offered interactive workshops where participants could try the latest scanning products and self-service checkouts, learn about planograms for stocking shelves, and guess quantities of dry food without a scale. It also set up a fun interactive challenge to teach visitors how to combat food waste.

The Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund offered career advice, helping young students to navigate the world of TVET and learn about future employment opportunities. Visitors could also chat with representatives from some of the country’s leading TVET schools about suitable courses and training.

Representatives from government, industry, TVET institutions, and career specialists took part in a seminar called, "How’s It Going, Vocational Education?”. It included presentations from the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research (HTM), Tallinn Mustamäe State Gymnasium, Education and Youth Board, Estonian Qualifications Authority, and the Estonian Talent Centre on a range of topics, including the best ways to recognize TVET talent, how to improve the quality of TVET, workplace-based learning, and updates in IT and engineering fields.

Karin Ruul, WorldSkills Estonia Official Delegate, said of the festival, “It was, of course, an honour to have President Karis attend. We feel it was wonderful recognition for our talented young people who have worked so hard to get to this position and who have been training round the clock for the upcoming WorldSkills Lyon 2024. It was also exciting to see so many visitors – young and old – leave the festival with a new, rich perspective on skills development and the wide range of opportunities available through TVET.”