Moldova becomes member of WorldSkills Europe: European vocational training standards, experience exchange

Moldova has officially become a member of WorldSkills Europe – a network dedicated to the development of technical vocational education. Membership provides access to European standards for vocational training and assessment, opportunities for experience exchange with other countries and the possibility to participate in international initiatives and competitions focused on developing professional skills.

The decision to join was ratified on June 11 during the WorldSkills Europe 2026 General Assembly, held in Helsinki, Finland.

According to the Education and Research Ministry (MEC), accession creates the foundations for strengthening cooperation between educational institutions and the business sector, so that young people’s training can better meet labour market demands. In addition, Moldova will be able to participate in more international projects, partnerships and European initiatives in the field of skills’ development and the modernization of technical vocational education.

Liudmila Stihi, State Secretary of the MEC, said that the membership in WorldSkills Europe represented a strategic, future-oriented investment in modernizing Moldova’s technical vocational education system.

“As a European platform recognized for promoting high standards in professional skills, WorldSkills Europe provides a unique framework for benchmarking performance, fostering innovation and structured cooperation between education providers and the business community,” said Liudmila Stihi.

Chair of the Board of WorldSkills Europe Ben Blackledge welcomed Moldova’s achievement of member status on the platform.

“We look forward to working together to develop technical vocational education, promote professional excellence and enhance the attractiveness of vocational careers. Together, we can show young people the transformative power of skills, both at the individual level and for society as a whole,” said Ben Blackledge.

WorldSkills Europe is best known for organizing the EuroSkills competition, the most important European event dedicated to trades and professions. These competitions bring together young specialists from such fields as information technology, engineering, mechatronics, construction, services, design and the food industry, who are assessed according to standards used by employers and industries across Europe.