Why did you decide to become a WorldSkills connector?
As soon as I saw the WorldSkills Champions Exchange presentation on the WSI website www.worldskills.org, I sought information. Once I was aware of the mission (to promote international placements for former WorldSkills Competitors) I contacted all former Competitors from my country and trade, within the age limit. Since then I have been working with the WSCE to help build skills bridges for the world’s most talented young professionals to cross.

What is the best way to find employers to take on WorldSkills Champions?
Through Experts (like me!) and the national, regional and/or trade specific skills networks in your home country/region. These agencies, who are often involved in national and regional competitions, are very well connected with employers who I’ve found are more than happy to welcome our skills Champions into their workplace.

What is the most difficult part about finding placements for WorldSkills Champions?
Language is sometimes a problem. Even if most youngsters have working use of a foreign language, not all employers do. This is also an exciting part of the exchange as it also presents our Champions with the challenge of learning a whole new language. I know, because I’ve done it myself!

What do you think is the best part of the WorldSkills Champions Exchange?
The WSCE is another way of paying back the WorldSkills Champions heroes for trying to make the WorldSkills dream come true and is an excellent way of capitlising on the informal international skills networks created over the days and weeks of shared effort involved by experts in making the competition happen.