International Competitions

After the Second World War, the Spanish government made great efforts to inspire young people to undertake vocational training. Measures included providing young professionals with an insight into the various trades, and spurring them on to higher performance by means of competition. In 1950, Spain organised the first international Youth Skills Competition and by 1953, participants in the competitions included German, French, Moroccan and Swiss nationals. Today, 35 nations, including Canada, are members of the International Vocational Training Organizations (IVTO). It’s goal is to familiarize itself with the different countries’ training systems, to compare and analyze them, and to receive and give new impulses. The World Skills Competition is open to tradespersons up to 22 years of age and are staged every two years. The next World Skills Competition will be held in Calgary, Alberta from September 1-6, 2009. For more information on the World Skills 2009 Competition please visit www.worldskills2009.com.