WorldSkills Experts Faculty introduces new training programmes

The WorldSkills Experts Faculty (WSEF) has recently announced the development of various training packages that complement the training and support offered by WorldSkills International to both new and returning Experts.

As technological developments and societal transformations affect work roles, WorldSkills Competitions are constantly evolving.

Every two years, industry and businesses worldwide are consulted about updates to the WorldSkills Occupational Standards, which serve as the reference points for the Competition to evaluate and reward the performance of Competitors. Marking criteria are reviewed, and processes are often revised.

“We have seen that the learning curve is steep to try and understand all the working parts of WorldSkills,” says Mark Brammer, WSEF representative for Construction and Building Technology, about all the information WorldSkills Experts have to acquire in order to be ready for the Competition. “The packages are a result of a strong request from our members for more preparedness for Competitions,” he adds.

The two training programmes designed by the WorldSkills Experts Faculty include:

• Development of WorldSkills Experts, which explores the fundamentals of WorldSkills.
• Skill Specific Competition Mentorship, focused on the application of skill specific documentation and skill dynamics at the Competition.

Both programmes are offered in different delivery options, either online or in-person. Members can also choose to receive the resources of the programme so that they may be translated and incorporated into their own training and material.

Mr Brammer, who first joined WorldSkills as an Expert in 1994, has been involved with the organization in different roles ever since. Recognizing that “many Experts may not be able to participate in multiple Competitions or spend many years learning on the job,” as well as the volunteer nature of the role, he says that the training programmes aim to “simplify and deliver critical information required to function properly in the role of Expert at their first Competition.”

To acquire any of the WSEF Training Programmes, or to enquire for further information, please contact WorldSkills Expert Faculty at wsef@worldskills.org. Although designed with the development of Experts in mind, the trainings are relevant to anyone within an organization with a role to play at a WorldSkills Competition.

The WorldSkills Experts Faculty is comprised of past and present Experts who work with WorldSkills to expand the movement and create a positive impact in skills development around the world. In addition to their outward-facing efforts, the WSEF also focuses internally to support new Experts and Members on their WorldSkills journey.