Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, was in Gdańsk, Poland from 7 to 8 September 2023 to open this year’s Euroskills competition 2023. The visit also included EU-funded projects that help people train in vocational skills, leading to quality jobs – a cornerstone of the European Year of Skills.
EuroSkills – a celebration of skills development
EuroSkills is Europe's largest event celebrating skills and vocational education and training (VET). Funded by the European Social Fund, EuroSkills 2023 took place under the backdrop of the European Year of Skills, which shapes the future of the European workforce and promotes targeted training and lifelong learning across Europe.
The event brought together 600 young European professionals aged under 25 from 32 countries. Participants competed and presented the knowledge and skills acquired through their studies and workplace training from 43 different skills and professions, ranging from plumbing and heating to graphic design and web development. The competition hosted over 10 000 people – including politicians, industry experts, VET students and skills providers. In addition, EuroSkills also hosted the sixth International Congress on Education and Training, where participants debated topics including digital and green skills and social inclusion.
Upskilling youth for skilled maritime careers
Highlighting vital work preparing young people for the jobs of the future, the Commissioner met representatives of the ESF-funded project ‘Gdansk as a City of Professionals’ at the Maritime School complex.
The project is a good example of how EU funding can support young people into quality, sustainable employment, helping students build the technical and navigational skills that can prepare them for a career in the maritime sector. The school focuses on vocational education and training as a pathway for skilled jobs in this sector, including technical roles in welding, terminal equipment operations and stevedore, as well as navigation and mechanic officer positions.
During their training, students participate in professional courses and paid internships with employers to gain the qualifications and skills they will need and are also supported by career advisors in the form of individual consultations and group workshops. To ensure young people can apply their new skills in their chosen profession, the school provides training and career-oriented support that continue long after studies have ended. The school works closely with regional employers to ensure the students are developing skills that are in demand for the world of work.
The school has already helped nearly 3 000 students to move on to a career in a sought-after profession. It has also helped build the teaching infrastructure needed for the next generation of maritime workers, with over 130 new teachers and instructors given the needed training to pass on what they have learned.
Commissioner Schmit said: “I am proud to see what good investment is being made of EU funds here at the Maritime School in Gdansk. We must continue to motivate young people, so they see that training in vocational skills can lead to good quality jobs. With the green transition, we need more and more people trained in these skills. The Pomorskie region is on a very good track regarding how it organises its education and training.”
