From the 2nd to 4th of November 2022, LIXIL’s competence centre for GROHE showers and shower systems in Lahr, Germany, was the venue for the 2022 WorldSkills Competition Special Edition in Plumbing and Heating. As global industry partner to WorldSkills, the GROHE brand co-hosted the international industry competition. Following three intense days, Florian Bliem (Austria), succeeded over 19 peers from all around the world and returned to Austria as acting world champion in plumbing and heating.

“I am really proud of the young talents in our industry. We have witnessed so much passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to their work at the WorldSkills Special Edition in Lahr. All contestants can be very proud: they represent the future of our industry,” commented Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA.

Supporting Young Talent Top of the GROHE Brand Agenda

As acting co-host of the event, GROHE was able to leverage its experience in training and education to support young professionals in starting their careers. In many regions of the world, the sanitary brand already operates the GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education Program (GIVE). Through the program, GROHE supports schools in creating a state-of-the-art training framework by installing modern training facilities and providing learning material and experienced technical trainers.

“Our role as global industry partner to WorldSkills complements our existing efforts to promote the plumbing profession to a wider audience. Our industry offers so many opportunities for young people around the globe who cannot only make a living but make a positive impact with plumbing for a sustainable future,” continued Brennwald.

Sanitary Industry Offers Many Opportunities for Young People

With the shortage of skilled installers in the sanitary industry, it is more important than ever to showcase the manifold opportunities in the industry. Together with different partners on various levels, GROHE seeks to create the foundation for young talent to be able to build for a prosperous future. This is why GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings is active in promoting awareness for the plumbing profession.

“We are happy to call the GROHE brand our global industry partner. Together we have managed to create a fantastic WorldSkills Special Edition, which will be an unforgettable life-time experience for our contestants. Looking ahead, we will continue our joint efforts to make the plumbing and heating industry ever more attractive,” said Hubert Romer, Managing Director and Official Delegate of WorldSkills Germany.

Plumbing plays a key role in fighting climate change

One of many highlights was the exclusive panel on “Vocational Training in times of Climate Change”. Hubert Romer, Managing Director and Official Delegate of WorldSkills Germany, Dave Viola, CEO of the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and Thorsten Sperlich, Leader Environmental Communications at LIXIL discussed the challenges and opportunities for young people as they enter the industry. With increasing demands on sustainable product solutions to tackle climate change, the skill-set for plumbers has changed. Today’s generation will be at the forefront of the industry’s efforts to build for a sustainable future.

WorldSkills Special Edition 2022 in Lahr a Huge Success

In total, more than 1,000 visitors came to see the competitions in Lahr, Germany. Next to the competition, guests had the chance to explore the GROHE brand via the GROHE Professional product portfolio that was showcased on the GROHE X Motion and the GROHE GIVE Trucks. The “Try a Skill” area invited visitors to build their own GROHE handshower under professional supervision. Following three intense competition days, the young contestants and their teams celebrated the closing of the event, which culminated in the announcement of the winners. Gold – Florian Bliem – Austria, Silver – Tom Pean – France, Silver – Marton Offner – Hungary, Bronze – Tai-Yu Chen – Chinese Taipei.