Global Skills Competitions 2026: Key WorldSkills Events from Spain to Shanghai

The year 2026 is set to be a landmark year for the global Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem, with major national and international skill competitions taking place across Europe and Asia. These events will showcase young talent, promote vocational excellence, and serve as selection platforms for global championships such as WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 and EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027.

Here’s a comprehensive, SEO-friendly update for SkillCouncils.com readers:

🇪🇸 SpainSkills 2026 | IFEMA Madrid, Spain

📅 February 24–28, 2026

📍 IFEMA Madrid, Spain

SpainSkills 2026 is Spain’s national vocational training competition, bringing together students and recent graduates from all autonomous communities, including Ceuta and Melilla.

31 official skill competitions

3 demonstration skills

Selection event for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 and EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027

Organised by the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports (Government of Spain)

This event plays a critical role in identifying Spain’s top talent for international representation.

🇳🇱 Skills The Finals 2026 | Netherlands

📅 March 19–20, 2026

📍 Brabanthallen, Den Bosch

Skills The Finals 2026 will transform the Brabanthallen into a massive arena of craftsmanship and vocational excellence.

Over 600 students competing

Venue size equivalent to seven football fields

Hands-on “Try a Profession” experiences

National Dutch Champion titles across multiple trades

The event promotes career awareness among youth and strengthens industry-education linkages in the Netherlands.

🇨🇿 CzechSkills 2026 | Czech Republic

📅 March 26–28, 2026

📍 Brno Exhibition Centre

CzechSkills 2026 will showcase the best in technical, trade, and service professions in the Czech Republic.

13 competition skills

24 demonstration skills

“Try a Skill” activities for the public

Hundreds of vocational students will compete for the title of Czech Champion, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to skill excellence.

🇩🇰 GoSkills 2026 | Denmark

📅 April 23–25, 2026

GoSkills 2026 Denmark is a joint initiative of 10 vocational schools in North Jutland linked to Denmark’s national DM in Skills competition.

The initiative aims to:

Inspire students and parents

Strengthen vocational pathways

Showcase Denmark’s top young skilled professionals

🇭🇷 WorldSkills Croatia 2026 | Zagreb

📅 May 5–7, 2026

📍 Zagreb Fair, Croatia

WorldSkills Croatia 2026 will host more than 350 competitors across 44 skills.

Interactive workshops and live competitions

10,000+ expected visitors

Strong international participation

Key preparation platform for WorldSkills and EuroSkills

The event significantly contributes to Croatia’s long-term vocational excellence strategy.

🇸🇪 Yrkeskampen 2026 | Sweden

📅 May 5, 2026

Yrkeskampen 2026 highlights Sweden’s commitment to youth engagement and vocational career awareness through competitive excellence.

🇪🇪 Skills Festival Young Master 2026 | Estonia

📅 May 13–15, 2026

Skills Festival Young Master 2026 showcases Estonia’s top vocational students and promotes modern technical education aligned with future industry needs.

🇫🇮 Taitaja 2026 – Finnish National Skills Competition

📅 May 18–21, 2026

📍 Tuusula, Finland

Taitaja 2026 is Finland’s largest educational event.

Around 50 skill competitions

400+ competitors

Tens of thousands of visitors

Organized by Keuda and Skills Finland

The event strengthens school-industry collaboration and enhances the visibility of vocational careers.

🇫🇮 WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2026 | Helsinki

📅 June 9–12, 2026

📍 Helsinki, Finland

WorldSkills Europe General Assembly 2026 will gather representatives from 34 member countries to discuss:

Competition-based learning

Innovative TVET practices

Strategic planning for WorldSkills Europe

As the highest authority of WorldSkills Europe, the Assembly plays a critical role in shaping the future of vocational education in Europe.

🇨🇳 WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 | China

📅 September 22–26, 2026

📍 National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), Shanghai

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 will be the 48th WorldSkills Competition and one of the largest global skills events ever hosted.

1,400 competitors

70 countries and regions

64 skill competitions

WorldSkills Expo

WorldSkills Conference 2026

This global event will celebrate technical excellence, innovation, and youth empowerment at the highest international level.

Why These Skill Competitions Matter

These national and international competitions:

Promote vocational education and training (VET/TVET)

Encourage youth participation in skilled trades

Strengthen industry partnerships

Serve as talent pipelines for global competitions

Boost national and international collaboration

For stakeholders in skill development, training providers, government agencies, and industry bodies, 2026 presents unparalleled opportunities for global engagement and excellence.