PPG Renews Partnership with WorldSkills Europe Vocational Skills Organization

PPG announced a two-year renewal (2026-27) of its partnership with WorldSkills Europe, which promotes technical, vocational, and service-oriented education and training across Europe. As part of the agreement, PPG will support organization of the Car Painting competition at EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027, which takes place in September 2027.

PPG has renewed its partnership with WorldSkills Europe, which promotes vocational education and training. As part of the agreement, PPG will support organization of the Car Painting competition at EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027. (Photo: PPG)

PPG and the PPG Foundation actively support skilled trades education, with a focus on advancing manufacturing and coatings applications, helping strengthen talent pipelines while raising awareness of skilled trades as meaningful career paths. The company was involved in the Painting and Decorating skill category at the international WorldSkills Lyon 2024 and EuroSkills Herning 2025 competitions, and has contributed to several national competitions in both painting and decorating, and car painting.

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with PPG,” said Ben Blackledge, chair of the board, WorldSkills Europe. “PPG recognizes the crucial role that skills play in empowering young people in both work and life, and in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. We are grateful for PPG’s impressive capabilities in advanced manufacturing and coatings applications, which helps ensure that EuroSkills competitions reflect the latest industry standards and remain at the cutting-edge of technology.”

PPG will provide paint and equipment for the Car Painting skill category at EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027 along with support from staff from the company’s Automotive Refinish training center at nearby Hilden.

“Together with WorldSkills Europe, we are working to elevate the visibility and value of skilled professions, inspire more young people to pursue careers in our industry, and address the growing skills gap across Europe,” said Jérôme Zamblera, PPG vice president, EMEA, Automotive Refinish. “Through national car painting competitions, collaboration with schools, and initiatives such as donations of the PPG LINQ™ digital ecosystem, including the MOONWALK® paint mixing system, we help students gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies. We are excited to help showcase the next generation of talent.”

The PPG’s partnership with WorldSkills Europe is part of PPG’s broader global commitment to support skilled trades education and expand access to technical training. In March 2026, PPG and the PPG Foundation announced a commitment to invest $10 million globally through 2030 to support skills initiatives through partnerships with technical and vocational schools, community colleges, training providers, and support for national skilled trades competitions.

PPG’s global community engagement efforts and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We invested $18.1 million in 2025, supporting 400+ organizations across nearly 30 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow tomorrow’s STEM innovators and skilled workforce in fields related to coatings and manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Learn more here.