How do we motivate young people to build the additive manufacturing skills and confidence the sector needs for the future? WorldSkills - often called the “Skills Olympics” - is accelerating technical development through real‑world, competition‑based training. Since AM joined the programme, participation and capability have grown rapidly across the UK. This session explores the competition’s journey and what we’ve learned from watching young competitors push themselves technically and personally.

Following a series of presentations exploring the AM skills landscape—from aligning talent with industry needs, to co‑creating education with industry partners, to the evolution of AM as a WorldSkill—this panel brings the conversation together. Moderated by Steve Cox, representatives from Alexander Daniels Global and the University of Leeds will examine how industry, academia, and skills bodies can collaboratively build a resilient, future‑ready AM workforce. The discussion will address recruitment realities, emerging competency requirements, talent retention, and the role of practical training pathways. Attendees will gain a holistic view of what it takes to equip the next generation with the skills and confidence to drive AM adoption at scale.