'Four unforgettable days'What is it like to compete at the world’s largest skills championship?

Sibila Lind
adapted for RTL Today
The WorldSkills competition wrapped up in Shanghai last month, with Luxembourg securing a 'Medal for Excellence' after several years without a podium finish, but how did the young participants experience the event?
© RTL

Six young Luxembourgers spent four intense days in Shanghai, pushing themselves to the limit as they demonstrated their expertise in a range of professions.

The competition covered a diverse selection of trades, from restaurant service and landscape gardening to aircraft maintenance, each requiring a unique set of skills.

The challenges they faced were far from straightforward. Right from the start, the participants contended with projects shaped by Asian standards they had never encountered before, unfamiliar materials, and strict time constraints for every task.

Beyond the pressure and unexpected setbacks, the competition also presented unique opportunities: discovering a vibrant new city, meeting peers from around the globe, and, perhaps most importantly, seeing their professions recognised on an international stage.

For some participants, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. One described the four days as "unforgettable", while another said it felt "like a dream".

RTL was on site throughout the event to give audiences an inside look at what it really means to compete at the world’s biggest vocational skills contest and to capture the genuine experiences of the young competitors.

Watch the full report in Luxembourgish

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