Three out of four competitors at the European championships for skilled professionals, EuroSkills, are usually men. But when EuroSkills Herning 2025 took place in September 2025, it was with a clear ambition to change this gender pattern. Targeted data collection, collaborations with civil organisations and strong role models are intended to inspire more young women to aim for gold in the future.

The best bricklayer could be called Sofie. The most skilled agricultural machinery technician could be named Ann, and the most qualified health and social care assistant might well be named Tim. EuroSkills Herning 2025 helped highlight this – because there is a need to change the gender balance in vocational education and on the podiums at both national, European and world skills championships. So says Henrik Kjeldsen, CEO of EuroSkills 2025.

“There are incredibly talented women in many trades that are typically perceived as male domains – just as there are deeply skilled and committed men in professions traditionally dominated by women. The role models are already out there, and at EuroSkills 2025 in Herning we made a significant effort to make them visible,” he says.

25 per cent women – 27 per cent medals

36 of the 133 gold, silver and bronze medals awarded at EuroSkills Herning 2025 across 38 competition skills were won by women. In other words, the female competitors claimed 27 per cent of all medals.

“There is much more to EuroSkills than medals. But it is interesting to note that women took home 27 per cent of the medals in 2025, even though they only represented 25 per cent of the participants. And we saw female medal winners in skills such as Automobile Technology and CNC Milling, and male competitors on the podium in skills such as Health and Social Care and Hairdressing. That shows that anyone – regardless of gender – can possess world-class skills if they are passionate about their trade,” says Henrik Kjeldsen.

The work, however, does not stop here. EuroSkills 2025 has collected and analysed a wide range of data on gender patterns from the four most recent competitions.

“We have done this to ensure an accurate and nuanced picture of any potential gender inequalities within the different skills. This is crucial if we are to create lasting change,” explains Henrik Kjeldsen.

Still a majority of male competitors

The collected data shows that at EuroSkills in 2018, 2021, 2023 and 2025 there was a significant predominance of male competitors, with women making up only around one quarter of the participants. In addition, around 80 per cent of the female competitors participated in creative or service-related skills, while the men primarily dominated construction, engineering, transport and logistics skills.

This pattern reflects the enrolment trends in Danish vocational education. Figures from the Ministry of Children and Education show that for many years – including in 2025 – around 11 per cent of girls enrol in a vocational programme straight after lower secondary school, compared with around 28 per cent of boys.

“But we hope that the data collection and analysis carried out by EuroSkills 2025 – together with the role models we saw on the podiums – can help accelerate change. We need to move away from automatically associating a particular profession with a particular gender and instead see that all vocational education pathways are open to everyone. We need more skilled workers, and we need the very best and most dedicated ones. That requires both young men and women to recognise that there are far more opportunities than limitations in choosing a vocational route,” says Henrik Kjeldsen.

Made possible by Villum Foundation

A grant from the Villum Foundation made it possible for EuroSkills 2025 to create the first consolidated data set documenting gender distribution among competitors. The aim is to inspire other countries to collect and analyse equivalent data.

“In this way, countries will be able to follow national developments, identify trends, and initiate targeted actions where needed,” concludes Henrik Kjeldsen.

Data Basis

EuroSkills has been held every second year since 2008.
With funding from the Villund Foundation, EuroSkills 2025 has collected data on competitors from the past four events to map trends and document developments in gender distribution across the different skill sectors.

The data analyses have been carried out by organising the results lists from:

• EuroSkills 2018 in Budapest, Hungary, where 403 competitors took part

• EuroSkills 2021 in Graz, Austria, where 315 competitors took part

• EuroSkills 2023 in Gdansk, Poland, where 516 competitors took part

• EuroSkills 2025 in Herning, Denmark, where 584 competitors took part

A count of the medals awarded at EuroSkills 2025 showed that 36 out of the total 133* gold, silver and bronze medals awarded across the 38 competition skills were won by women. In other words, the female competitors claimed 27 per cent of the medals.

*In seven skills the competition took place in teams of two, therefore a total of six medals were awarded. In one skill only a gold medal was awarded, with no silver or bronze.

Overview of the percentage gender distribution across the different sectors at EuroSkills – based on registered competition participants in 2018, 2021 and 2023:

Daikin works across the entire value chain within climate solutions and heating systems – and contributes actively from product development to installation and service. Their innovative technologies improve air quality in homes and businesses across the world.

Daikin invests in the experts of the future
For Daikin, educating top-qualified professionals is crucial for the implementation of the energy-efficient heat pump and cooling solutions of the future. Extensive expertise will be needed to install and service heat pump systems for many years to come.

That is why Daikin supported the next generation of skilled professionals as Main Skill Sponsor at EuroSkills Herning 2025.

“We want not only to invest in technology, but also in people – and thereby contribute to the entire value chain from production to installation. Access to qualified professionals is essential if we are to implement the heating and cooling solutions of the future,” says Robert Kagabo, Managing Director at Daikin Denmark.

Daikin supplied heat pumps and technical expertise to EuroSkills Herning 2025
As Main Skill Sponsor at EuroSkills Herning 2025, Daikin supplied:

• 15 Altherma 4 air-to-water heat pumps for the ‘Plumbing & Heating’ competition
• 12 Perfera air-to-air heat pumps for the ‘Refrigeration & Air Conditioning’ competition
• Technical expertise and support during the competitions

Major donation to vocational schools
And it doesn’t stop there. The 27 heat pumps used during EuroSkills Herning 2025 have been donated by Daikin to Danish vocational schools. Now, students can train their skills using first-class equipment and become even better in their trade. An investment in the industry – and in the future.

Would you like to learn more about Daikin’s heat pump and cooling solutions?
Visit Daikin’s Experience Centre in Brøndby. Here, you can see, hear and experience the different heat pump and cooling solutions. If you are a qualified plumber or electrical installer, you can take part in Daikin’s Training Academy and strengthen your skills within future heating and cooling technologies.

Every fifth heat pump in Europe is supplied by Daikin
Daikin Europe is a market leader in heating, cooling, ventilation, clean air, and refrigeration technology. Daikin has delivered climate solutions to private homes, businesses, and industrial settings – 55 years in Denmark and over 100 years globally. Daikin’s headquarters are based in Europe, and the company operates 14 factories across the continent. Daikin designs products that reduce environmental impact and help create a more resilient future. Daikin is proud to lead the way in the transition towards a CO₂-neutral future.

Learn much more about the heat pumps of the future at Daikin’s website.

Photo: Lasse Skov, SkillsDenmark

For the first time in EuroSkills history, an organized guide programme was established with support from project funds from the Central Denmark Region. A total of 270 young guides from local vocational institutions accompanied student groups through the competitions and exhibition stands.

This year, 270 young guides were recruited from two institutions in Central Jutland: Herningsholm and SOSU Midtvest. As part of their education, they volunteered to guide classes safely through the halls, competitions, and stands. The aim was to give students an overview and the confidence to explore the many opportunities, which at first glance might otherwise feel overwhelming.

The guide program was created to make the EuroSkills Herning 2025 experience more meaningful for visiting students. The guides were trained to help them gain a better understanding of everything they saw and experienced during their visit. The visual approach was central: craftsmanship should not only be described but experienced up close.

The guides also helped place EuroSkills into a historical perspective for the young visitors. One of the key messages was the importance of craftsmanship for society, which became especially evident after World War II when many European countries faced the challenge of rebuilding.

The perspective remains just as relevant today, as craftsmanship plays a central role in the green transition and continues to deserve recognition, prestige, and clear career pathways. The guide program helped students understand what they saw in a broader context that reached beyond a single day’s visit to EuroSkills Herning 2025.

One of the visiting student groups met Claus Larsen on Friday morning outside the south entrance of MCH Messecenter Herning, where he was ready to introduce the competitors and their skills.

The students received a short introduction from Claus about the many pathways within vocational education. He challenged common preconceptions and explained that both technical and social professions require not only hands but also minds.

Reflecting on his own experience when facing his first choice of education, Claus said:

“We only received a brief description of the different vocational programs in class, and it was difficult to truly understand what they involved. That is why it is so valuable to present the professions to students in a way where they can get close to some of the world’s very best.”

At the final stop of the tour, in front of the Pâtisserie and Confectionery competition, the structure of the contest was explained before the students continued their exploration of EuroSkills Herning 2025 on their own.

Photo: Lasse Skov, SkillsDenmark

Skills Village brought together 600 young professionals under one roof and created a unique retreat in the midst of the intense competition days. It became a place to recharge, build friendships, and share experiences across nations and skills.

At EuroSkills Herning 2025, all competitors from across Europe stayed together in Lalandia Billund, which for the occasion was renamed Skills Village. Here, they had access to recreational activities and natural meeting places that strengthened team spirit and provided the mental balance needed between competitions.

For many, it made a real difference to have a quiet space away from the busy competition halls.

“We don’t see much of each other during the day because we are competing. But in the evening we can gather, talk things through and just relax. It helps everyone to unwind and take some of the pressure off,” said Gabrielle Wilson (Cooking) from the UK.

But Skills Village was about more than recovery. It also became a social hub that forged bonds across nations and professions. Henrik Gustafsson (Automobile Technology) from Sweden highlighted the value of sharing experiences:

“Sharing skills and experiences with others is really valuable. Of course, you don’t give away the actual competition answers, but you can have meaningful conversations and exchange perspectives on the tasks,” he said.

The welcoming atmosphere and the close living arrangements created a special energy throughout the week. It brought delegations closer together and strengthened the spirit across countries.

“The best thing about being here has probably been that we are all staying in the small houses. You meet everyone – both from your own country and from other countries – and can share experiences across skills,” said Artur Eichelberger (Web Development) from France.

In the end, Skills Village became more than just food and accommodation. It was a home for the competitors – a place where skills, community, and well-being came together to make the EuroSkills Herning 2025 experience even stronger.

EuroSkills Herning 2025 has come to a close – and the winners have been crowned. Over three intense competition days, 597 young professionals from 32 countries competed across 38 different skills, showcasing their talent, determination, and passion.

France emerged as the most decorated nation, taking home 17 gold, silver and bronze medals in total – more than any other country, whereas seven of those were of gold. Also taking home seven gold medals was Germany, who finished with the second highest number of podium medals – 15 in total. Denmark, Austria, Switzerland and Hungary also delivered strong performances with multiple podium finishes.

While medals highlight the champions, hundreds of competitors were also awarded Medallions for Excellence, recognizing outstanding performances above the international benchmark.

And in addition to the medals, the prestigious Jos de Goey Best in Europe Award 2025 was presented to Loris Cubizolles from France competing in CNC-Milling, the competitor who achieved the highest overall score among all 597 participants.

Ben Blackledge, Chair of WorldSkills Europe, concluded the night with a speech celebrating the dedication and talent shown by every participant:

“I want to be clear: whether you leave here with a gold, silver, bronze, or no medal at all, you are all champions in Europe. By reaching Herning, by competing at this level, you have proven to Europe and to yourselves that you are among the best young professionals of your generation – and that is something to be proud of forever,” Blackledge said in his speech on stage.

EuroSkills Herning 2025 has not only celebrated the best of Europe’s skills talent but also inspired a new generation to pursue vocational education and careers.

The flag has now been handed over to the next host nation and the countdown EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027 has begun.

EUROSKILLS HERNING 2025 COMPETETION RESULTS

Highlights from EuroSkills Herning 2025

· 102,934 visitors experienced competitions, “Try a Skill” activities, and exhibitions across the week.

· Royal visit: H.M. The King of Denmark toured the halls, meeting young professionals and international teams.

· European political focus: Education ministers and stakeholders from across Europe met in Herning to discuss the future of vocational education.

· Skilled for a Greener Future: Sustainability was a key theme throughout the event, with many competitions and activities highlighting how vocational skills contribute to Europe’s green transition.

· Celebration of skills: The Closing Ceremony in Jyske Bank Boxen gathered all competitors and supporters for an unforgettable medal ceremony and the symbolic handover of the EuroSkills flag to Düsseldorf, host city of EuroSkills 2027.

Photo: Anders Wiuff, EuroSkills Herning 2025

EuroSkills Herning 2025 wrapped up its final day of competitions on Friday. After two intense days with around 72,000 visitors, the halls were once again buzzing with energy, applause, and curious guests eager to witness Europe’s top young skilled professionals in action.

For the 597 young skilled professionals, three days of hard work came to a climax as the competitions gradually concluded throughout the day. The atmosphere at MCH Messecenter Herning was electric and emotional – with cheering and applause echoing across the halls. The relief of having completed the competitions was evident, and many participants shed tears of pride as their projects were finalized in front of thousands of spectators.

At the same time, EuroSkills Herning 2025 hosted an informal EU ministerial meeting. On the occasion of Denmark’s EU Presidency, Minister for Children and Education Mattias Tesfaye had invited his European colleagues to Herning on 11–12 September to discuss the future of Europe’s young skilled professionals.

Following the meeting, the ministers, together with EU Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu, were given a tour of the EuroSkills halls. They experienced first-hand how the Skills movement builds pride among young skilled professionals and helps reshape perceptions of vocational education across Europe. The tour also provided insight into how the competitions highlight sustainable solutions and the competences needed for the green transition.

During the meeting, the Herning Declaration was signed. With this declaration, the EU issues a strong call to intensify cooperation across member states, make vocational education more attractive, and ensure it meets the demands of the labour market.

The initiative will pave the way for a European strategy for vocational education, expected to be published next year. The declaration underlines the crucial role of vocational education in Europe’s competitiveness and its importance in addressing the growing shortage of skills required to drive both the green and digital transitions.

After three days of demanding competitions, impressive achievements, and political focus, everyone will gather again on Saturday for the grand Closing Ceremony in Jyske Bank Boxen. Here, the excitement will peak as the winners of gold, silver, and bronze in the 38 different skills are announced – and Europe’s best young skilled professionals are celebrated in front of a festive audience.

The competitions at EuroSkills Herning 2025 are reaching their grand finale.

Today, Europe’s best young professionals have delivered their very last efforts in pursuit of a coveted EuroSkills medal. The atmosphere in the competition halls is intense, emotional – and unforgettable. For many, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Tomorrow, it will all be decided. At 18:30 in Jyske Bank Boxen, the Closing Ceremony will mark the end of EuroSkills Herning 2025 with a celebration of skills, pride, and achievement.

The evening will feature welcoming words, entertainment, and, most importantly, the official medal ceremonies – where the champions of EuroSkills 2025 will finally be crowned. The program also includes Copenhagen Drummers and the symbolic handover of the EuroSkills flag to Düsseldorf, host city of EuroSkills 2027.

Event details

· Closing Ceremony: 13 September 2025, 18:30 – Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning

· Tickets: Ticketmaster – EuroSkills Herning 2025

· Watch the livestreaming of the ceremony right here. 

Get ready for an evening of goosebumps, pride, and unforgettable moments – as we celebrate the next generation of European skilled professionals.

Press are welcome at both today’s final competitions and at the Closing Ceremony. Accredited media will have access to the competition halls and Boxen. For those who wish to capture the very best shots during the ceremonies, it is possible to apply for photo zone upgrade passes.

· Apply for accreditation and read more about upgrade passes for photo zones here: https://euroskills2025.com/press/

One of the highlights of EuroSkills Herning 2025 came on Thursday, when HM The King visited the competitions and met some of the nearly 600 young skilled professionals from 32 countries taking part in Europe’s largest platform for skills, innovation, and collaboration.

During the tour, HM The King spoke with four Danish competitors: August Lynge Jensen in restaurant service, Casper Kærvang Pedersen in electrical installation, Niels Næraa-Nicolajsen in cabinetmaking, and the mechatronics team of Sofie Nørremark Rasmussen and Magnus Holmgaard Jørgensen. Together they reflected the diversity of skills represented at EuroSkills.

As he made his way through the competition halls, HM The King also passed by many other contests, where young professionals from across Europe were fully engaged in showcasing their expertise – from delicate craftsmanship to advanced technical challenges.

Henrik Kjeldsen, CEO of EuroSkills Herning 2025, commented:

“HM The King’s visit is an important recognition of EuroSkills as a European platform. His presence highlights the fact that young skilled professionals are central to Europe’s future – not only in driving the green and digital transitions but also as role models inspiring the next generation.”

With up to 100,000 visitors expected, EuroSkills Herning 2025 is set to be the largest education event ever held in Denmark. The week will conclude with a spectacular Closing Ceremony in Jyske Bank Boxen on Saturday 13 September, where Europe’s best young skilled professionals will be announced.

Now open in Hall L, the Silent Stage lets visitors listen to presentations and professional discussions in a calm and focused environment. With wireless headphones, they can immerse themselves in current topics on expertise, the future labor market, and the development of craftsmanship – all while the competitions unfold in the background.

One of the first talks featured Malthe Ottesen, a Danish carpenter apprentice who spent three months on an exchange in New Zealand. Malthe first heard about exchange opportunities before starting his apprenticeship and quickly knew he wanted to experience how carpentry is practiced in other countries.

Living abroad gave him both independence and the support of a host family, while working alongside locals broadened his view of the trade. “In some countries, carpentry covers a much wider range of tasks than in Denmark. That meant I got to try new kinds of work and expand my skill set. Going abroad gives you a chance to develop in directions you might not have imagined at home,” he explained.

He also highlighted the strong sense of community he encountered, as colleagues and locals welcomed him warmly. Meeting people with the same interests made it easier to connect and feel part of the local culture.

The Silent Stage is now open, with a rolling programme of talks and discussions over the next few days.