The decision on membership was ratified on June 11 at the organization’s General Assembly in Helsinki and grants the country access to international standards for workforce training, professional competitions, and new educational partnerships, according to the Ministry of Education and Research.
Joining the organization will allow Moldova to participate in European mechanisms for assessing professional competencies, exchange best practices with other countries, and expand its participation in international initiatives in the field of workforce training.
The government is placing particular emphasis on strengthening the link between the education system and the business community. It is expected that the development of vocational education will better reflect the real needs of the labor market and enhance the practical training of young professionals.
Lyudmila Stihi, State Secretary for Vocational Education, Training, and Lifelong Learning, called Moldova’s accession to WorldSkills Europe a strategic investment in the modernization of the country’s vocational education system.
According to her, participation in the European platform creates opportunities for benchmarking training outcomes, implementing innovative approaches, and developing cooperation between educational institutions and employers.
Participation in EuroSkills and new international projects
WorldSkills Europe is best known for organizing the EuroSkills competition—Europe’s largest vocational skills contest.
Young professionals from various sectors participate in the competitions, including information technology, engineering, mechatronics, construction, the service sector, design, and the food industry. Assessment is conducted according to standards aligned with the requirements of European employers and industry associations.
The Ministry of Education and Research notes that membership will also expand Moldova’s opportunities to participate in international projects and partnerships related to the development of professional competencies and the modernization of vocational and technical education.
The Ministry of Education and Research coordinates the process through WorldSkills Moldova in collaboration with the Center for Entrepreneurial Education and Business Support (CEDA) and the Association “Education for Development” (AED).
CEDA will participate in promoting WorldSkills initiatives and developing cooperation between educational institutions, authorities, and the business sector, while AED will organize vocational competitions and prepare the national team for participation in EuroSkills.
CEDA Executive Director Olga Shulyanski has been appointed as the Republic of Moldova’s official delegate to WorldSkills Europe, and AED Executive Director Lilia Styrcha as the technical delegate.
