WorldSkills Lyon 2024 drives the global skills movement forward with renewed momentum

From the Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony on 10 September, to the spectacular Closing Ceremony celebrations tonight, WorldSkills Lyon 2024 has indeed proven that where there are skills, there is a way.

The electric energy of the incredible entertainers, musicians, and dancers that filled OL Stadium this evening came close to matching the heart-felt passion of the WorldSkills community that has gathered in Lyon for the last week to celebrate the power of skills.

While it may have ended, the success of WorldSkills Lyon 2024 will reverberate far and wide. WorldSkills Competitors, Experts, Members, Partners, and supporters from governments and education systems have shown that is possible to reimagine Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and elevate skills at the top of the global agenda.

In the vast halls of Eurexpo, over four intense days, WorldSkills Competition 2024 shone a spotlight on the world’s most talented youth as they competed fiercely in 59 skill competitions. It all culminated in the Closing Ceremony, where the top scorers in each skill were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals, alongside Medallions for Excellence for those demonstrating world-class standards. Go to the results.

The prestigious Albert Vidal Award was presented by Chris Humphries, President of WorldSkills, to the Champion, or Champions, with the highest overall score across all skills. Tonight that honour went to Junwei Lu and Huixuan Xie from China, who competed in Industry 4.0.

Chris used the Closing Ceremony to emphasize the lasting impact of WorldSkills Lyon 2024. Speaking directly to the Champions, he said, “You truly are the changemakers. You are the people who are now going out into the world, to shape and transform it, and to find new paths to address the challenges we all face. This world needs your creativity, your passion, your bold ambition, and your exceptional skills.”

As the Ceremony reached its climax, so the WorldSkills flag was passed from WorldSkills France to WorldSkills China who will host the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in 2026. The symbolic moment marks the continuation of the WorldSkills movement and its growing global impact. Guests on stage for the handover included Catherine Vautrin, Minister of Labour, Health and Solidarity of France and Wang Xiaoping, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security of China.

The evening ended with a spectacular show that included dancers, singers, and performers representing the delights and cultural highlights of China. Even WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 mascots Neng Neng and Qiao Qiao made an appearance, walking among the audience of cheering Champions.

Of course, the Competition was just one part of WorldSkills Lyon 2024. Alongside the world’s largest skills competition, some of the world’s most influential thinkers in skills gathered at WorldSkills Conference 2024. After two days of successful discussions and networking, David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, encouraged every delegate to take home their new knowledge and apply it to the skills systems in their countries and regions.

In his closing remarks, David said, “The Conference is complete, but our work continues in haste. Whether you find yourself at the UN Summit of the Future next week, or are delivering grassroots programmes, we need you to raise this topic at every level. Continue to seek out opportunities to expand your work, find new collaborators, and work every day to elevate skills.”

As well preparing for the future, WorldSkills Lyon 2024 also marked the end of some significant contributions within the WorldSkills community. Chris Humphries, Laurence Gates and Stefan Praschl completed their terms on the WorldSkills Board, and welcomed new members, Francis Hourant, President and Chair of the Board, Brigitte Collins, Board Member for Competitions, and Alejandro Weinstein and Ray English, who have become the two new Board members for Strategic Development.

The current WorldSkills Champions Trust also got ready to end their current tenure and invited young people who competed at WorldSkills Kazan 2019, WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition, and WorldSkills Lyon 2024 to add their voices and apply to be in the next cohort of youth ambassadors. Champions ready to make their mark on the world can apply.

The WorldSkills community now looks ahead to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. The spirit of WorldSkills – building excellence, embracing challenges, and valuing skills – continues to grow. The 48th WorldSkills Competition promises to further integrate new technologies and sustainable practices, reflecting the rapid changes in global industries and the increasing need for adaptable, multi-skilled professionals.

For now, you can relive all the emotion of the medal-giving and the wonder of the entertainment or watch the full highlights video.

WorldSkills Lyon 2024

WorldSkills Lyon 2024, 10 to 15 September, is the world’s largest international skills competition, featuring 1,400 Competitors from almost 70 countries and regions. The 47th WorldSkills Competition showcases excellence in young skilled talent, while also bringing industry, education, and government leaders together to move skills to the top of the global agenda. WorldSkills is highlighting the critical role skills play in addressing global challenges, boosting economies and industries, and promoting excellence.