EuroSkills 2008, which takes place between September 18-20, is Europe’s biggest job & career event and an extension to the skills competitions at global level: WorldSkills. During this three day event more than 400 youngsters (17 – 25 years of age) from 30 European countries will compete for the title of ‘best of the best’ in their particular trade, in 49 challenging competitions. The official opening will be held on 18th of September in the presence of the Dutch Princess Máxima, the mayor of Rotterdam Mr. Ivo Opstelten, the secretary of state Mrs. Marja van Bijsterveldt and Euro commissioner Mr. Ján Figel.

EuroSkills enhances craftsmanship and vocational education in Europe. The event stimulates the mobility of young professionals at the European labour market by introducing the practice of their profession in other European countries. One of the participants is a Portuguese refrigeration technician, António Nabais (21 years old), who had direct access to the championship after being 6th in the WorldSkills 2007 competition (Japan). On the other hand, EuroSkills is also an ideal platform for the industry. For the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota, EuroSkills is a perfect opportunity to highlight career possibilities at Toyota for thousands of visitors, reveals the organizer’s press release.