EuroSkills

In March 2007, teams from Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) schools in France, Great Britain, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands participated in the first Toyota Open Skills Competition. The competition, organised by Toyota Motor Europe in partnership with Skills Netherlands, served as a pilot competition for the pan-European skills contest, EuroSkills 2008.

The five competing teams in the 2007 competition were all winners of national competitions between teams from the various T-TEP schools in each country. Each team was given the opportunity to demonstrate its mastery of practical skills learned through T-TEP. At the end of three days of competition, the British students had the highest score and were declared the winners of the 2007 Toyota Open Skills Competition.

Toyota is the official partner of EuroSkills 2008. The event, which is also supported by the European Commission, will take place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands from 18-20 September 2008.

Hundreds of young professionals, vocational education and training (VET) students and graduates will show off their skills through competitions and demonstrations across 50 European trades. Many skills encompass several competitions. Around forty thousand visitors from across Europe are expected to attend the event.

Through T-TEP, Toyota already supports over 220 schools, providing training and materials to enhance technical education and contribute to local communities.

At EuroSkills 2008 we are also sponsoring the Light Vehicles Technician competition. Toyota organisations in ten countries have confirmed their participation in this competition with a participant from the T-TEP network. The students will be coached by their teacher and accompanied by a representative from their local Toyota company. The T-TEP entrants will compete alongside other national champions.

The next EuroSkills competition is scheduled to take place in 2010.

Short video of the EuroSkills 2008 here: