PPG has renewed its partnership with WorldSkills Europe for a further two years, strengthening its support for vocational training and the next generation of skilled tradespeople across the continent.
The coatings company will play a key role in the Car Painting competition at EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027, scheduled for September 2027. As part of its support, PPG will provide paint, equipment and technical expertise, with staff from its Automotive Refinish training centre in Hilden assisting the event.
WorldSkills Europe promotes technical, vocational and service-based education, helping young people build practical skills for working life. Its EuroSkills competitions bring together emerging talent from across Europe and aim to reflect current industry standards and technologies.
Ben Blackledge, chair of the board at WorldSkills Europe, said PPG's manufacturing and coatings expertise would help keep the competition relevant to modern industry. He added that the partnership supports both young people and Europe's broader competitiveness.
PPG has previously contributed to WorldSkills Lyon 2024, EuroSkills Herning 2025 and several national competitions in painting, decorating and car painting. The company says these efforts form part of a wider push to raise awareness of skilled trades as valuable and rewarding career paths.
Jérôme Zamblera, PPG vice president for EMEA Automotive Refinish, said the company wants to inspire more young people to enter the sector while helping address Europe's growing skills gap. He highlighted initiatives such as national car painting contests, school partnerships and donations of PPG LINQ digital technology, including the MOONWALK paint mixing system.
The renewed agreement also aligns with PPG's global commitment to invest $10 million through 2030 in skills programmes, including partnerships with technical and vocational schools, community colleges, training providers and skilled trades competitions.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the collision repair industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the African automotive sector forward.
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