Mozambique hosts the 1st edition of the Welding Olympics

Many young people continue to view technical training as having less prestige than higher education, despite the growing demand for skilled labor in strategic sectors. At a time when the country is investing in consolidating its infrastructure and exploiting natural resources, the development of technical talent takes on particular importance.

 It is in this context that, on September 5th, Mozambique will host the first national competition dedicated to the recognition and promotion of technical and professional skills, with a focus on welding. The Welding Olympics aim to build bridges between training centers and companies, strengthening the connection between academic qualifications and market needs.

 The event will bring together approximately 20 participants, including trainees, trainers, and professionals, who will be evaluated in practical tests of varying complexity levels. Tasks will include the use of TIG, MIG/MAG, and coated electrode technologies, under the evaluation of certified specialists.

 The challenges will test skills such as interpreting instructions and technical drawings, handling tools and equipment, and applying workplace safety standards, with time limits and varying degrees of complexity.

 According to Frederico P. Silva, CEO of Talento, this initiative aims to help position technical education as a priority for young people and strengthen connections between companies and educational institutions, with the aim of improving employability in the country.

 The competition will also be documented in an audiovisual series inspired by the MasterChef format, with short episodes, presentations by the participants and public voting in categories such as "popular vote", promoting greater dynamism on social media and involving the community.

 The closing ceremony will feature an awards ceremony, a talent fair, the launch of a digital platform for the sector, exhibition areas for sponsors, networking sessions, and a panel discussion on the future of technical training in the country.

 The event is organized by Talento, in partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Institute of Matola (IICM), with financial support from KH–Kreishandwerkerschaft Steinfurt–Warendorf and is sponsored by Exxon Mobil Mozambique, FPB, Port of Maputo, TRIM, Field Ready, Industrial Association of Mozambique (AIMO), ACLM.