In South Africa the WorldSkills South Africa (WSSA) initiative is championed by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Even though South Africa has participated in World Skills International (WSI) events since 1990, WSSA was formally established in April 2013 by the Deputy Minister of the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Within the South African context participation in the World Skills competition holds huge potential to influence the development and employability of the South African Youth. In addition to this it acts as an effective vehicle to increasing awareness of apprenticeships and artisanal skills, raising the standard of vocational education and training and artisanal skills. This initiative also supports the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET): ‘Decade of the Artisan’.

It comes at a time where the issue of artisan development is of top priority for government as there is a shortage of skilled people in our country. Hence, the World Skills Competition aims to encourage more young people (high school learners, tertiary students and unemployed youth) to see artisanship as a career of choice to ease the skills shortage in South Africa.

The WorldSkills South Africa project and The Decade of the Artisan Campaign both championed by the Department of Higher Education and Training targets the continuous expansion of the TVET Colleges sector, particularly artisanal skills. One of the National Development Plan’s (NDP) goals is for the country to produce 30 000 artisans per year by 2030. It is through the success of these projects that a difference can be made in South Africa.

We know that a skilled and more capable workforce can lead to an inclusive economic growth path. It is without a doubt that skills are essential to the economy and the future prosperity of this country.

World Skills International was established in 1950 as a non-profit organization, with the mission to promote and facilitate, through co-operation and worldwide awareness, the essential contribution that skills and competitive standards make to the achievement of economic success.

Skills are essential to the global economy and to the future prosperity of every country. World Skills recognises the power of skills and the need to promote and encourage vocational training and education to the highest level. The World Skills International competition is a celebration of excellence and a unique opportunity to share knowledge.

Each Member country selects and trains their Competitors. They are also responsible for promoting vocational education and training in their own country or region. Collectively the Members offer a unique network for sharing knowledge and experience to world class standards.

Every two years, tens of thousands of skilled young people from around the world, accompanied by their teachers, coaches and mentors, gather in a selected city to compete before the public in the skills of their various trades and to test themselves against demanding international standards.