EuroSkills™ 2016 was officially opened by Swedish Prime Minister, Stefan Löfven, and provided a platform for 500 young people from 28 European countries to compete in 35 skills areas.

3M, the science-based technology company, was an official partner of the competition, along with automotive manufacturer Volvo and Festo, the German industrial control and automation company.

3M also played a key role helping the young competitors hone their skills in advance of the competition and provided all competitors at the event with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Of the five competitors chosen to showcase 3M products in action, four won medals.

They are Lisa Janisch from Austria, who won a gold medal in the painting and decorating category and was named Best of Nation overall; Thomas Rudlstorfer from Austria who was awarded gold for architectural stonemasonry; Stefan Chiste from Italy who won gold for floor laying; and Daniel Carlberg from Sweden who was awarded a bronze medal for bricklaying.

Austria was top of the medal table in the contest, collecting a total of 13, followed by Finland and France.

Speaking about the role of sponsors, David Hoey, Chief Executive Officer of WorldSkills™ International, said: "Leading global companies like 3M are critical to the success of these competitions. We can promote skills training and education, but industry creates market demand.

"Industry partners like 3M bring value in terms of lending their brand, knowledge and experience and provide a window into the future jobs and careers available. This is critical as we have to produce young people able to match the demands of industry and companies like 3M are able to tell us what is happening in the market place and will provide new technologies, careers and opportunities."

Said 3M European business manager for Sustainability, Rich Miles: "The quality of skills on display at this event was incredible – showcasing everything from welding and floristry to landscape gardening and restaurant services.

"Even though enthusiasm and excitement was at the highest level, no safety elements were compromised during the contest and the safety equipment provided by 3M was totally embraced by all competitors – quite naturally.

"It was really encouraging to see the professional way these craftsmen and women approached each task they were set and it was also inspiring to see EuroSkills and the WorldSkills organisation pushing the sustainability agenda to a much higher level at this event."

EuroSkills is held every two years to champion young expertise in the industrial trades and service sector. Aligned with WorldSkills™ International, the event provides a platform for Europe's finest talents as well as representatives from government, trade industries, educational institutions and partners to meet together for the competition and conference.

Although this is the first year that 3M has partnered EuroSkills, the company has been a supporter of the wider WorldSkills organisation for many years and a Global Industry Partner for the past four years.

The WorldSkills global competition, like EuroSkills, is held every two years with the next event being held in 2017 in Abu Dhabi.

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