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/

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.

Photo: BESTSELLER – photographer, Steffen Therkildsen Nielsen.

Photo: 3M

3M is proud to announce its role as the ‘Main Skill Sponsor’ at the 9th EuroSkills Competition, set to take place in Herning, Denmark, from September 09 to 13, 2025. This prestigious event gathers the finest vocational apprentices and students from across Europe, offering them a platform to compete and represent their countries.

Over the course of three competition days, up to 600 talented young skill athletes from 33 European countries will vie for European Championship medals in 38 different skills across six sectors.

At 3M, they are committed to nurturing young talent and promoting continuous learning. Through their partnership with EuroSkills 2025, 3M will provide innovative products and solutions for optimal competition performance. Their technical teams are dedicated to offering insights into product applications, helping competitors address both competition challenges and everyday work tasks.

Chris Goralski, Group President, Safety & Industrial, stated,

“Our collaboration with EuroSkills 2025 aligns with 3M’s efforts to help advance the workforce of the future. By working together, we can provide even greater opportunities for students to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers and contribute positively to their communities. At 3M, we are excited to be supporting the next generation of leaders through this invaluable partnership.”

3M’s involvement in EuroSkills 2025 underscores its commitment to inspiring the next generation of professionals, bridging the skills gap in specialized trades, and addressing the evolving needs of the manufacturing sector.

Michael Stroik, VP Community Relations, added,

“Our investments not only help to build a skilled and knowledgeable workforce but also contribute to the overall well-being and success of the communities we serve. At 3M, we believe that education is the cornerstone of innovation, and we are honored to play a role in shaping a brighter future for all.”

“We are pleased to collaborate with 3M as Main Skill Sponsor – their technical expertise and commitment to young talent help raise the professional standard of the competition and ensure the right conditions for the competitors. This allows our skilled athletes to act as role models and encourage young visitors to consider a career in vocational education and training. Support like this from our partners are essential in our efforts to showcase vocational education in the best possible light. Thank you!”, says Henrik Kjeldsen, CEO at EuroSkills 2025.

Investing in the Future Workforce

With a legacy of giving back for over 70 years, 3M continues to empower future generations by fostering educational opportunities and community development. In 2024, the company supported communities globally with cash and product donations exceeding $56 million. The 3M 2025 State of Science Insights reveals that people worldwide view manufacturing jobs as having a positive impact on the economy (75%). Globally, there is recognition of the importance of technical skills, with 78% advocating for more opportunities to learn new manufacturing skills, and 74% acknowledging that today’s manufacturing jobs require more workers with technology skills. With a growing public belief in the positive societal impact of skilled trades, 3M emphasizes the importance of promoting, investing in, and supporting economic development by creating jobs of the future in STEM, skilled trades, and manufacturing.

About 3M

3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

His Majesty the King of Denmark at the Opening Ceremony at the Danish National Skills Competition 2023 in Fredericia, Denmark. Photo: SkillsDenmark

His Majesty The King of Denmark will participate in EuroSkills Herning 2025, taking place at MCH in Herning from 10-12 September.

This is the first time Denmark is hosting the official European championship for young skilled professionals – EuroSkills. The European championship marks a historic milestone as 597 of Europe’s most talented young professionals gather in Herning to compete for EM medals in 38 different skills.

Chairman of EuroSkills 2025 and former Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen looks forward to the royal visit:

“It is a great joy and honor that His Majesty is visiting EuroSkills Herning 2025. We are aware of the King’s keen interest in competitions, and we look forward to showcasing what our young, talented skill athletes can achieve,” says Poul Nyrup Rasmussen.

The royal visit highlights the importance of EuroSkills – not only as a championship but also as a strong signal of the vital role skilled professionals play in society.

“We hope that the King’s visit will help inspire young people to take an interest in modern vocational education. EuroSkills Herning 2025 is a historic and unique platform that showcases the very best in vocational training and emphasizes its crucial importance for the future labor market – particularly in relation to the green transition. We believe the event will inspire many children, young people, and adults to consider a vocational education,” says Poul Nyrup Rasmussen.

During the visit, His Majesty will meet a number of the 43 Danish skill athletes from the Skills Team Denmark who will be competing at EuroSkills.

EuroSkills Herning 2025 is open to the public from 10–12 September, 9.00–17.00. Admission is free on all three days at MCH in Herning, where the competitions will take place. The new European champions will be announced on Saturday, 13 September, from 18.30–21.00 at a spectacular closing ceremony at Jyske Bank Boxen.

Press Accreditation

The press is welcome to cover H.M. The King’s visit to EuroSkills Herning 2025. The visit will take place on Thursday, 11 September, from 11.30–13.00. There will be designated locations along the tour where photography will be possible. Participation in the event and the opportunity to take photos requires separate accreditation.

Journalists and photographers can apply for accreditation by emailing Ingrid Behrndt Andersen – ian@skillsdenmark.dk – no later than 1 September, 2025.

For further information, please contact:
Rudi Raahauge Damkjær, Head of Communications
Mobile: +45 20 92 34 64

Press release issued 28 August 2025

Photo: Siemens

Siemens will serve as a Main Skill Sponsor at EuroSkills Herning 2025, providing cutting-edge automation products for skill competitions: Industrial Control, Electrical Installation and Industry 4.0. CNC Milling machines from DMG MORI are equipped with Siemens’ computer numerical control systems. The European Championships will take place from 10 to 12 September 2025 at the MCH Messecenter Herning in Denmark.

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

In response to the growing demand for skilled professionals and increased productivity in industry, Siemens is committed to supporting vocational education. Through close collaboration with WorldSkills Europe, technical experts, and competitors. Siemens helps equip young talents with the mindset and technological expertise needed to tackle today’s challenges.

Rainer Brehm, CEO of Factory Automation at Siemens, explains:

“I believe Siemens has a responsibility to support the next generation of leaders through the EuroSkills movement by integrating technologies such as Digital Twins, that bridge the real and digital worlds, skill-based automation, and genAI to harness the power of data.”

Skills for a Sustainable Future

As the world faces the urgent challenge of climate change, EuroSkills Herning 2025 will highlight how vocational skills can contribute to building a more sustainable future. Siemens’ involvement sends a clear message: investing in young talent and future-ready skills is not only a strategic priority – but a shared social responsibility.

Visit the Siemens Blog: EuroSkills Herning 2025

Visit Siemens at siemens.com/sce