Lifeport Arnhem-Nijmegen Region is once again delivering world-class craftsmanship. No fewer than Six vocational students from our region will represent the Netherlands at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the world skills championship which takes place from 22 to 27 September will take place in China.
This outstanding achievement underlines the strength of vocational education in our region. Thanks to their talent, craftsmanship and perseverance, these students are among the best young professionals in the Netherlands. In Shanghai, they will compete against their peers from all over the world.
The Lifeport Skills Heroes are:
- Daan Blonk – Landscape Gardener | Aeres MBO Velp | Expert: Nicole Slagmolen
- Hidde Kruit – Landscape Gardener | Aeres MBO Velp | Expert: Nicole Slagmolen
- Guus Kramer – CAD draughtsman (Mechanical Engineering CAD) | ROC Nijmegen | Expert: Gerben Swart
- Joep Hubers – Building Electrical Engineer (Electrical Installation) | ROC Nijmegen | Expert: Erik Beldman
- Linn Kappen – Beauty Therapist | ROC Nijmegen | Expert: Nellie van Steenbergen
- Nick Joosten – Automotive Technician (Automobile Technology) | ROC Nijmegen | Expert: Tamira Kloosterman
Some of the MBO Skills Heroes on training day 1
Photo credit: The Creators Hub – Sanne Marcellis – WorldSkills Netherlands
Discovering, developing and retaining talent
The participation of these six students aligns perfectly with the ambitions of the Lifeport Human Capital Agreement. Together with the education sector, businesses and public authorities, we are investing in discovering, developing and retaining talent. The Lifeport Skills Heroes demonstrate the wealth of expertise our region possesses and how important it is to give young talent the opportunity to develop, excel and forge a connection with our region.
Under the motto Lifeport Skills Heroes: Moving Beyond Ordinary Over the coming months, we’ll be following these six talented young people on their journey to Shanghai. We’ll take you behind the scenes during their training sessions, show you what motivates them and introduce you to the people and companies who are supporting them on their way to the world stage.
This summer, we’ll be publishing a series of stories, videos and updates in which you’ll get to know the Lifeport Skills Heroes better. From their passion for their craft to their dreams for the future, and of course their journey to the world final.
Follow the Lifeport Skills Heroes and join them on their journey to Shanghai. Stay tuned!
