European Skills Competition – The Ultimate Inspection Challenge

The final of the AILEEN European Skills Leagues were held from 17th to 19th September at the ISQ Academy venue in Oeiras, Portugal, culminating in the announcement of the European champions.

Event Details and Competitors Profile:
The competition engaged a highly talented and diverse group of 21 participants aged 18-30, who had previously ranked in the top three of their national skills leagues. The participants included a mix of professional trainees, university students, and experts already working in the metalworking sectors.

Technical Challenge and Sector Insights:
The competition days rigorously tested the motto "from inspection to perfection" through dual practical and theoretical challenges, featuring valuable contributions from guest experts:
• AM NDT Technical Focus: A key highlight was the insightful session on Non-Destructive Testing in Additive Manufacturing (AM) with Medad C.C. MONU, PhD from Dublin City University. His presentation provided a key message on the pillars of AM NDT adoption toward industry confidence in AM.
• NDT Expertise (Welding): A a crucial session on Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) with Welding, led by Bento Ottone Alves from Relacre and FNDT, equipping competitors with the essential knowledge for the challenges ahead.
• Defence Application: An inspiring talk from the Portuguese Navy, ensured by the 1st Leithnausn Eduardo Varela Simões, which provided a unique look into how advanced manufacturing and inspection are applied in the defence sector.

All 21 competitors faced a demanding theoretical and practical competition, putting their skills to the ultimate test in real-world scenarios.

European Skills Competition – Final Results:
The three-day event concluded with a celebratory ceremony and the announcement of the winners of the overall multistep challenges:
• First Place: Jaaren Van Ranst (Belgium).
• Second Place: Harry L. (UK).
• Third Place: Joel Malam (UK).