BRUSSELS, Belgium – From 10-15 September, the profession of the vending machine operator will be highlighted through the prestigious Worldskills competition in Lyon, France. WorldSkills is the largest professional skills competition in the world. Its purpose is to motivate the most talented students to explore and discover an interest in key professions and to introduce to them an attractive career.
For the first time, the work of the vending operator – the ‘professional of the coffee break’ – will be among the many professions specifically highlighted in this edition. A recreation of a relaxed coffee break environment in the French Pavillion at EUREXPO aims to encourage companies in their approach to improving well-being at work, and to show the crucial role that the vending machine operator contributes to this.
The coffee break demonstration will illustrate the shift in the sector to innovative technologies, contactless experiences, local and heathier food, the use of sustainable materials and machines as well as the responsible recovery of waste. An event around coffee roasting will also take place.
The French Vending Association (NAVSA) is investing significantly in this event in order to raise the visibility and attractiveness of vending and to highlight the skills of workers in the vending sector.
The event should help bring clear strategic benefits in terms of promoting the knowledge and know-how in our industry, breaking down negative perceptions of vending and creating a more positive image, & making vending machine operators a recognised profession in order to reinvest in the field of professional training – leading to a revitalisation of the vending job market.
With 250,000 visitors expected at the event, as well as various political and governmental delegations, this represents an almost unprecedented opportunity to put the work of the vending sector on show. It is intended to be a first step in a long-term project which should lead to the integration of vending roles into national, European and global competitions in the future.
The EVA commends NAVSA in this great initiative for the sector, and will also be present in Lyon to show our support.
Worldskills Lyon
- 10-15 September 2024
- 120,000m² at EUREXPO
- 250,000 visitors expected;
- More than 60 countries represented;
- 1500 competitors;
- More than 50 professions in competition.
