Volunteer programme enhances the 43rd WorldSkills Competition

1 July 2015

By 1 June 2015, an impressive number of over 1,750 individuals had applied to join the volunteer programme at WorldSkills São Paulo 2015. Now, following careful review, 800 volunteers have been selected based on their interests, commitment, dedication, and language skills - all of which are important qualities to meet the needs of the different groups in the Competition.

“Quality” is an appropriate word to describe the talented and generous volunteers who will be supporting the greatest WorldSkills Competition in history, and the first in Latin America. Among the volunteers are over 650 students and former or retired teachers from SENAI São Paulo, one of the great supporters of this Competition. There are also volunteer students and professionals with experience living in WorldSkills Member countries and regions.

Half of this volunteer team will be responsible for guiding around 120,000 students from public schools in São Paulo that will visit the Competition. Certainly, these visits will give them information about the 50 skills and the many career opportunities open to them through skills. Perhaps more important is seeing intense Competitors in action. Talking with these volunteers will inspire and excite these younger students, opening their eyes to how they can improve our world through the power of skills. Among the other 400 volunteers, 124 will assist Competitors from the Delegations, and 100 volunteers will help at the skill workshops. Additional roles for volunteers include supporting Ambassadors at the Knowledge Spots related to each skill, organizing the flow of people at the restaurants, helping the communication team, and providing overall volunteer team information and management.

Even though a number of the volunteers have had experience living in Member countries and regions, all of the volunteers have completed English placement tests. Those with lesser English language skill will participate in a one-month online English course in July, to practice and improve their English skills before the Competition. This special opportunity resulted from a partnership between WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 and the British Council, an organization in the United Kingdom with 70+ years of experience promoting English language and British culture around the world.

This great team will undergo additional specific training both prior to the Competition and on site at the Anhembi Park. "All of the volunteers will be directly assisting and helping Competitors and visitors. Their performance will prove that Brazil has the potential to organize large events and respect cultural differences. They understand the importance of their roles, and are aware of their responsibility to help those who need information or assistance. They know they will be called to support in both small and large ways, and are dedicated to help the Competition be a success," says Liliane Moura, the Volunteer Programme Coordinator.

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