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Leaders Forum 2003

Closing the Skills Gap

The 2003 WorldSkills Leaders Forum was held in St Gallen, Switzerland, 19 June, 2003

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More information can be found on the archived Leaders Forum Website.

Speakers

Dr. Kurt Stoll

Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Festo Group

Dr. Kurt Stoll has supported the development of skills - especially among young people - throughout his professional career and is an avid supporter of WorldSkills and the ideals it stands for. Dr. Stoll is holder of the Federal Cross of Merit and the Rudolf Diesel Medal (known as the "Oscar for Inventors"), and holds an Honorary Doctorate in Technical Science at the TU , Vienna, and an Honorary Professorship of Zheijang University, China.

 

Jan Roetman

General Manager Fluke Europe

After a distinguished career in Marketing, Jan Roetman became European Marketing Manager at Fluke Europe BV in May 1995. Based in Eindhoven, he is now responsible for the European Industrial Group with the title of Vice-President. Under his leadership and in close cooperation with Fluke Headquarters in Everett, U.S.A., the Fluke organization has seen a major transformation of their business model and the implementation of a de-centralized structure. Fluke is now part of the Danaher Company who have continued expansion with successful acquisitions in Europe and other countries.

 

Dr Christoffer Taxell

Chairman of the Board of Finnair

Dr Christoffer Taxell is a former Government Minister, Member of the Boards of Raisio Yhtymä Oyj, Sampo Oyj and Stockmann Oyj Abp, Chairman of the Board of Stiftelsen for Åbo Akademi, and Chairman of the Board of Finnair Oyj since 2003.

 

Diane St-Jacques

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of HR Development, Canada

Ms. St-Jacques is Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources Development of Canada. She entered politics in 1979 and holds several other senior positions in public life. She believes in young people and recognizes their achievements.

Programme

"Closing the Skills Gap"

How serious is the gap between supply and demand for skilled labour? What factors cause this gap? How are companies dealing with the increasing challenge to employ the right work force?

Analyses, views and case studies by decision makers in the skills market.

Venue: Ekkehardsaal, Ekkehardhotel, St. Gallen

Programme:

Registration and Aperitif

Word of Welcome
H. Stöckling - Minister of Education of the Canton of St. Gallen

Introducing WorldSkills and the WorldSkills Leaders Forum
T. Dusseldorp - President WorldSkills

Outline of objectives and program of this afternoon
L. Thibault - Vice-President Special Affairs WorldSkills
Master of Ceremony for the Forum

The Skills Gap - Perceptions and Reality

Minimizing the Gap - An Industrial Perspective
J. Roetman - General Manager Fluke Europe

The Skills Gap – The Finnish Perspective
Dr. C. Taxell - Chairman of the Board of Finnair

The Skills Gap - The Canadian Perspective
Ms D St-Jacques - Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of HR Development, Canada

Concluding remarks
L. Thibault