On 11 May 2026, in the presence of high-level representatives from institutions, the education sector, the business community, and the international community, the National Skills Competition 2026 was officially opened. The event was organized by the Chamber of Craft Skopje within the framework of the project “Youth Empower: Building Skills, Creating Futures”.
Opening remarks were delivered by Michalis Rokas, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of North Macedonia; Prof. Dr. Vesna Janevska, Minister of Education and Science; Orce Gjorgjievski, Mayor of the City of Skopje; Besnik Zendeli, Director of the Vocational Education and Training Centre; and Goran Ristovski, President of the Chamber of Crafts Skopje.
As part of the opening ceremony, a panel discussion was organized focusing on the importance of vocational skills, the advancement of vocational education and training, and the need for stronger cooperation between educational institutions and the business sector.
The event conveyed a strong message that practical skills, craftsmanship, and vocational education play a key role in economic development and in creating better opportunities for young people. The competition segment of the National Skills Competition 2026 took place on 12 May 2026, during which 64 students from 15 vocational profiles demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and professional competencies through practical tasks. The competition was organized within the framework of the project “Youth Empower – Building Skills, Creating Futures”, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Chamber of Craft Skopje in partnership with AMPERSAND and ASME.
