Hundreds of young skilled workers have gathered in Herning, Denmark, for EuroSkills 2024, the European Championship in vocational education. The event marks the first time Denmark has hosted the prestigious competition.

Around 600 young professionals from across Europe will compete in 38 different trades, vying for medals and recognition in their respective fields. The competition officially started Wednesday and runs throughout the week.

One of the competitors, 19-year-old Andreas Skeldal Winther, is an electrician apprentice representing Denmark in the “Industry 4.0” category. Winther, who won the Danish Skills Championships last year, expresses confidence in his preparation, stating that he and his teammate have trained extensively in various processes and programs.

The Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) is a partner of EuroSkills. CEO Lars Sandahl Sørensen emphasized the importance of skilled workers for Denmark and the need to promote vocational education among young people.

Winther hopes his participation in EuroSkills will inspire others to consider vocational careers. He recalls his childhood fascination with his grandfather’s measuring instruments as the catalyst for his pursuing an electrician education and sees the competition as an opportunity to showcase the profession.