MUENSTER, Germany — Known internationally as the world championship of non-academic occupations, the WorldSkills competition aims to motivate young people worldwide to take up a trade or technical profession. By sponsoring this initiative, the Automotive Refinish business unit of BASF’s Coatings division supports young talent, inspires them and makes them excited about the spray-painting profession. Initiated in 1950, trainees and young skilled workers from all over the world compete with each other at the WorldSkills competition and measure their skills in numerous categories. Through national and regional preliminary competitions, only the best of their trade qualify for the finals of the biennial world championships. For BASF as the global industry partner of WorldSkills International, with its Glasurit^® brand, and also the official sponsor in the Car Painting category, the competition is a great opportunity to support the next generation of automotive refinishers and make the paint and coatings industry aware of young, well-trained talents.

“Starting a career as an automotive refinisher requires a lot of skills, a good understanding of products and processes, and of course a good training. Therefore, it is important for up-and-coming spray painters to join world-class competitions like the WorldSkills or the R-M Best Painter Contest to challenge and develop themselves in skills and sustainable practices for long-term success. With our initiatives and training platforms, we take an active role in supporting young talent, provide them with the respective know-how, and make their occupation more visible,” said Dr. Harald Borgholte, Global Strategic Marketing & Product Development, BASF Coatings.

At the WorldSkills competition, participants in the Car Painting category will exclusively use products from the portfolio of BASF’s Glasurit or R-M refinish brands, depending on the country, as well as the RODIM brand of paint-related products. Local trainers and online tutorials will help the young spray painters to learn more about efficient application processes and provide them with useful tricks for best results. During the finals, the jury will also pay close attention to a sustainable way of working. By selecting the right products, reducing waste and re-using materials, the participants will be in the position to combine ecological vision and economic success.

Young professionals under the age of 25 will meet for the finals in Kazan, Russia, from August 22-27, where they will prove their skills in the international competition. WorldSkills organizers are expecting more than 100,000 visitors from all over the world as well as 1,600 participants from more than 60 countries who will measure their skills against each other in 56 performance competitions.