WorldSkills France - COFOM attends the 1st European Meeting of Young Apprentices in Paris

It was the first time ever that a meeting of European apprentices in such a scale was organised.

As France currently holds the presidency of the European Union, numerous French ministers joined the 12.000 young apprentices from 20 European countries and gathered at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy.

The meeting was impressive, and was held under the dominant theme of exchanges between European countries, between cultures, experiences and talents. There were numerous testimonials from apprentices who were on their way to success, as well as personalities such as Alain PROST, a former Formula 1 World Champion, Franck PROVOST, a hairdresser, and Alain AFFLELOU, an optician, all of them former apprentices. All of the personalities are great role models for the youngsters who chose apprenticeship as a way of training.

It was a wonderful opportunity for Marie-Thérèse GEFFROY, President of WorldSkills France - COFOM, and Vice-President of Strategic Affairs of WorldSkills International, to present the initiatives of WorldSkills in Europe and in the world. Surrounded by the French WorldSkills team, 300 young Europeans fittingly carried the colours of WorldSkills by parading under its flags. During the two days, visits and presentations were organised by WorldSkills France - COFOM partners.

Jos De GOEY (Skills Netherlands) and Simon BARTLEY (WorldSkills London 2011) were also present at this great event, celebrating youth and apprenticeship.

Everybody was heartily invited to Calgary in 2009 and London in 2011 for the next WorldSkills Competitions!

For more information please visit:

• http://www.worldskills-france.org/
• http://www.10000apprentis.eu
• http://www.pme.gouv.fr/