New York. Paris. Budapest. WorldSkills.

At the age of 19, French Chief Expert, Guillaume Suteau set out on a journey, armed with his hands and the knowledge and skills that he has acquired.

He moved from his home in the West of France, 800km across the country to Strasbourg, near the border of Germany. More than 11 years after his global skills adventure began, Guillaume has returned to his hometown, Nantes. Enriched by experiences spanning France, Germany, Hungary, America, South Tyrol and Switzerland, he has brought home with him knowledge passed on from successful plasterers all over the world; new techniques, new languages, a WorldSkills Competition Silver Medal and a Hungarian wife! Guillaume now spends his time as Manager of the Higher Institute of Plastering with Compagnons De Devoir in Paris and Nantes.

As well as managing 120 apprentices across 3 trades, he also devotes some of his time working with companies in France to provide opportunities for other WorldSkills Champions to grow from the experience of travelling and working abroad.‘It is so important for young skilled people to travel. My time abroad opened my mind to other cultures, lifestyles and most importantly I observed the many different techniques and materials that plasterers use all over the world. I can now say that my work has European and American influences and that I have learned from some very successful plasterers in New York, Paris and Geneva!’ he said.

As a connector for the WorldSkills Champions Exchange, Guillaume not only sees the benefits for young people, but also advocates the rewards for companies who invite talented WorldSkills Champions into their workplace. ‘Companies abroad were just as interested in learning French techniques as I was learning theirs. For other workers in the team it’s very exciting to have a new face with fresh ideas working among them. It helps create a more dynamic place to work.’Guillaume is also looking forward to next month’s return of 2007 French WorldSkills Plastering Champion, Teidy Guerinoni, who has been working in Melbourne, Australia for almost 12 months.‘Teidy worked not just with ceilings while he was away, and will bring lots of news about different textiles.

I am looking forward to hearing all about his experiences.’Guillaume encourages others in the WorldSkills family to help strengthen the global mobility of WorldSkills Champions by seeking out employers to provide meaningful and challenging work for our young people. A work opportunity can run from 3 months to 12 months and an employer is guaranteed to benefit from the high level of skills that a WorldSkills Champion can offer.