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IIW PR 2 – MOU with WorldSkills 14 December 2006 Page 1 of 1

~ PRESS RELEASE ~14 December 2006

Youth and industry throughout the world to benefit from promotion of skills through the alignment of leading international organisations

The International Institute of Welding (IIW) and WorldSkills International areworking together to ensure that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)recently signed between the two global organisations is a huge success, withbenefits for young people and industry throughout the world.

Both organisations recognise that, with globalisation and an increasinglycompetitive global labour market, there will be a greater focus on the principle of“life long learning” for individuals. They believe that vocational education andtraining will play a critical role if any real, lasting progress is to be made towardssustainable global development and economic progress. It is also recognisedthat investing in vocational education and training has a direct impact on anation’s GDP and is an essential ingredient in developing capacity at both anindividual and community level.

Through this MOU, both organisations mutually recognise and support theirrespective missions and objectives. WorldSkills and IIW both agree that the MoUis a significant strategic milestone with key objectives being to:

• Share information, knowledge and networks• Cooperate in the establishment of standards for vocational education and training• Promote both organisations and the benefits of the relationship on a worldwide basis• Consider joint projects in promoting vocational education and training

“The establishment of partnerships such as this is a key strategy for both organisations, which take global leadershiproles in developing the principle of “life long learning” for individuals” said Mr Chris Smallbone, IIW President 2005-8.

WorldSkills welcomed the initiative, pointing out that the combined membership and network potential of the twoorganisations is phenomenal, and the MoU promises to harness this strength and influence for the common good aroundthe world.

Mr Smallbone went on to say that already IIW enjoys strong links with WorldSkills as many of its 48 member countryorganisations are strong supporters of the international WorldSkills Competition held every two years, as well as nationaland regional competitions involving thousands of young people around the world.

The 39th WorldSkills International Competition will be held in Shizuoka, Japan, 14 - 21 November 2007. Over four days ofcompetition, more than 800 young people drawn from over 45 member countries/regions will test themselves againsttough international standards in 40 key skills and technologies. The ultimate prizes will be gold, silver and bronze medals.

An audience of around 200,000 people is expected to witness these exciting events. IIW through its Member Societieswill be working with the organisers to support the competition and to promote it throughout the industry and community,thus building up the professional image of welding.

Mr Smallbone said that the signing of the MoU forms a key element in a new IIW Project “To optimise the global quality oflife by optimum use of welding technology” and will be instrumental in coordinating efforts around the world to support aculture of respect for skills and an improved image of welding.

For further information on the activities and role of the International Institute of Welding, both at national and internationallevels, contact the IIW Secretariat email iiwceo@wanadoo.fr.

Mr Tjerk (Jack) Dusseldorp, PresidentWorldSkills International (left) and MrChris Smallbone, PresidentInternational Institute of Welding