2022 is an exceptional year for WorldSkills since the format will be different, with competitions taking place in various countries around the world.
Festo supports six key skills in the field of manufacturing and engineering technology at the WorldSkills competition that reflect current and future industry requirements. These disciplines combine mechanical, electrical, and digital competencies and help students develop practical skills for real industrial environments.
WorldSkills training builds skills that can be transferred directly to a career in industry. For employers, success in these disciplines signals a high level of technical competence, problem-solving ability, and readiness for real production environments.
Preparing for the WorldSkills competition requires structured training, hands-on practice, and a clear understanding of the competition requirements.
Participation in WorldSkills competitions usually starts at a regional or national level and may be open to first-year vocational or university students under the age of 25, depending on the skill area and competition requirements. Successful preparation depends on three factors in particular:
Main specialisations: Factory automation and electronics, mechanics, industrial programming, water treatment processes and technologies, energy engineering and environment.
Effective preparation for the WorldSkills competition depends on having access to the right training equipment. Find out more about the tasks to accomplish during each competition, the official competition equipment that Festo delivers for every skill, as well as our recommended preparation packages. They give students the opportunity to directly experience setup and the expected workflows.
During the WorldSkills competition, students work on the Mechatronics Modular Production System (MPS). They assemble and disassemble industrial components, program the PLC, and test the production process.
Students develop skills in:
During the championship the competitors operate on the Festo equipment that combines various software and the CP Lab into a physical machine. They establish the connection between shop-floor processes and the IT system of an automated factory, including material flow, data flow, and system communication in a networked environment.
Students develop skills in:
For this skill, competitors design, size and install, mechanically and electrically, photovoltaic systems. They also test, maintain and repair a wind turbine nacelle, all while adhering to strict safety protocols. They work with commercial solar system components and with the Festo wind turbine nacelle.
Students learn to:
For this skill, competitors work on the Festo EDS Water Management system, EDS Pumpstation, EduKit PA and Software FluidLab PA. They analyse water quality, carry out treatment tests, and identify faults in pumps, valves and other equipment. They install and connect pipes, sensors and other system components, and complete technical operation reports. They also monitor and maintain water and wastewater treatment systems.
Students develop skills in:
During WorldSkills competitions, participants work on several parts of an industrial system, including electropneumatic control technology componentsand the Mechanical Drives Learning System from Festo. This equipment helps them develop the practical skills needed to install, operate, and maintain pneumatic and electrical production systems under safe, industry-relevant conditions.
Students develop skills in:
For WorldSkills Industrial Control, competitors work on control cabinets, electrical devices, and simulation software to install, maintain, and troubleshoot industrial circuits. They use Festo FluidSIM to create and simulate electrical engineering circuits under time pressure, just as they would during the competition.
Students develop skills in:
WorldSkills solutions are not limited to preparing for competitions. Teachers can also use the same equipment in everyday lab classes to support practical training that is aligned with educational standards. For example, a teacher can take a task from a previous competition, adapt it to the class level, and use it as a practical exercise. While some students prepare for WorldSkills, others can learn the same core principles by participating in regular classroom activities on the same system.
Find previous competition tasks on our Festo Learning platform
Festo supports competitors and educators with technical expertise during the preparation phase and throughout the championship. Our dedicated teams help participants develop the skills and readiness needed for competition.
Students can also gain hands-on experience during one of the training camps, international forums, and friendly international competitions organised by Festo together with skill competition managers and experts.
Depending on the country and skill area, Festo can provide technical support, free training software licences, equipment rental, and retrofit options for existing learning systems.
Festo also offers training for teachers in the technologies covered by the industrial skills we support. Educators do not need deep expertise in every field, as training and guidelines can be provided where needed.
The WorldSkills competition is an international championship for vocational skills in which young upcoming professionals compete in real-world technical disciplines. It is widely recognised as a benchmark for excellence in vocational education and industrial skills.
No. Basic equipment such as PLCs, software, and HMIs is enough to start preparing students for the first level competition. The main system for the competition itself is provided by Festo, such as the MPS for Mechatronics. Depending on the skill area and location, training centres may also be able to borrow equipment or join training camps. It is best to check the technical description for each skill and contact your local Festo representative to enquire about availability.
Festo supports WorldSkills preparation with technical expertise, training equipment, software licences, training for teachers, and local advice, depending on the skill area and country. Support may also include training camps, retrofit options, and equipment rental for selected applications.
Yes. At Festo, we aim to motivate and support students at different stages, from learning basic technical skills to more advanced technologies. With the right coaching and modular training equipment even students in the early stages of technical education can develop practical skills step by step and participate in WorldSkills.
Preparation may take around six to nine months of regular training. This often includes technical practice, teamwork, and preparation to perform under pressure. The exact timeline depends on the skill area, the student’s starting point, and the training format.
Yes. The equipment is not limited to WorldSkills competitions and preparation. It is designed to reflect real industrial applications and meets international occupational standards, so it can also be used in regular teaching on topics such as mechatronics, automation, Industry 4.0, water technology, and renewable energy.
Yes, students can choose their team partner. In practice, it is helpful when teachers support the selection process so they can build a team with complementary strengths in programming and mechanics, to assure collaboration and high performance.
Yes. For many students, taking part in WorldSkills can build confidence, motivation, and practical skills while having an exciting experience on a personal level. Starting at a regional or national level can provide students with a supportive approach to develop technical skills, gain self-confidence and have a real sense of achievement.