WorldSkills Lyon 2024, the world’s largest vocational skills competition took place September 10-15. As a Gold Sponsor of the event, PPG helped shine a spotlight on the importance of skilled trades, while visitors witnessed 1,400 talented young professionals from nearly 70 countries showcase their expertise across more than 60 skills categories. The event brought together the best in global talent, marking a vibrant celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainable solutions.
PPG celebrates success at WorldSkills Lyon 2024: Inspiring the next generation of painters with hands-on experience
As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting vocational training, PPG provided 1,100+ liters of SEIGNEURIE® paints for the Painting and Decorating category, including Seigneurie Evolutex Bas Carbone paint, which includes bio-based raw materials, ensuring competitors worked with high-performance, eco-friendly materials that reflect the future of the industry.
“We are thrilled to congratulate this year’s winners in the Painting and Decorating category: Xiaofei Zhang from China, who secured the gold medal; Lena Prinz from Austria, who won silver; and Chun-Chen Lee from Chinese Taipei, who took bronze,” said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. “Their hard work and mastery of their craft reflect the power of vocational training and dedication.”
Dunn also took part in the 'Skills Lunch' session, where she spoke on the 'Break the Bias' theme. Her contribution emphasized the importance of inclusion and equal access to opportunities, while addressing the need to challenge stereotypes. The discussion aimed to dismantle barriers to job accessibility and promote a more positive, inclusive image of all professions.
PPG’s Interactive Presence and Sustainability Focus
At WorldSkills Lyon 2024, PPG engaged visitors with its highly interactive “Let’s Paint Your Future” booth. The stand offered hands-on experiences that highlighted key focus areas such as innovation, sustainability, skills development, and community engagement.
One of the event's highlights was PPG’s Try-a-Skill area, where attendees had the unique opportunity to paint murals designed by renowned French artist Camille Fosse using Seigneurie paints. Hundreds of young visitors and budding painters tried their hand at decorating, learning about
Franck Le Roux, executive director of WorldSkills Lyon 2024, acknowledged the crucial role that PPG played in enhancing the event experience. “We are extremely proud that PPG partnered with us to support this event with Seigneurie paints. The Try-a-Skill area, where young visitors could paint murals and learn about sustainable products, was one of the highlights. PPG’s commitment to innovation and sustainability brought a unique dynamic to the competition and inspired countless young people,” said Le Roux.
Looking Ahead to EuroSkills Denmark 2025
Following the success of WorldSkills Lyon 2024, PPG is already preparing to extend its support to the European edition of the competition, EuroSkills Denmark 2025, which will take place next year. As part of its global commitment to education and workforce development, PPG continues to invest in initiatives that prepare students for careers in skilled trades. In 2023, PPG and the PPG Foundation announced a $2 million investment by end of 2025 to support training programs, curriculum development, and career readiness resources for students and educators.
Learn more about WorldSkills Lyon 2024 at: https://worldskills2024.com/en/home-page/
Did you miss opening or ending ceremony? Or the 'Skills Lunch' session with Malesia Dunn? Watch recordings here: https://worldskills2024.com/en/live-streaming/