We must explore the potential of specific skill sets to excel as the standardised competition environment guarantees a level playing field
The 47th edition of the biannual WorldSkills Competition-2024 is set to begin in Lyon, France. The competition featured a 60-member young contingent from the WorldSkills India Team competing in 52 skill categories against participants from over 70 countries. Often considered the “Olympics of Skilling”, this international skilling competition is expected to attract over 2.5 lakh participants and will take place from September 10-15. It will include more than 1,400 competitors and 1,300 experts. The WorldSkills Competition is a platform that celebrates excellence in a wide range of skills, from construction and manufacturing to information technology and creative arts.
The 60-member India team, with 20 per cent women, is a breakthrough in this edition as they will compete in traditionally male-dominated fields like welding, plumbing, and heating. They have received rigorous training supported by leading corporations in the manufacturing sector and expertise from industry leaders and institutions across the country. Unfortunately, the same approach is missing in the female-dominated(67%) beauty and wellness sector, as its skills potential still needs to be appropriately recognised in the current contingent in the WorldSkills Competition.