India recently reached a significant milestone at the annual WorldSkills Competition in Lyon (France) 2024, where Rajesh Sharma earned the nation's first-ever Medallion of Excellence in cabinet making.

Competing across three trades – carpentry, cabinet making and Joinery – India’s participants showcased exceptional talent, marking a new chapter in the country’s pursuit of global recognition in skill development.

The journey began in the 2016-17 cycle, when India first participated in cabinet making at WorldSkills. By 2019, the country expanded into joinery, and in 2022, carpentry was added to the portfolio.

Each step has been instrumental in elevating skill standards nationwide, according to the Furniture and Fittings Skills Council (FFSC), which has been responsible for identifying, training and preparing India’s best talent for the global skills stage.

Collaborating closely with industry partners, FFSC has ensured that participants receive world-class training, mentorship and resources. Organisations such as Iraj Evolution Design Company in Udaipur, and Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Bengaluru, offered state-of-the-art training facilities.

Numerous industry leaders provided tools, equipment and expertise. “These collaborative efforts have been pivotal in preparing competitors like Rajesh Sharma for success at WorldSkills,” says Rahul Mehta, CEO of FFSC. “Special recognition goes to Ashok Jangid, whose tireless dedication led to this win.”

The path to Lyon was paved with regional competitions where talented individuals vied at state levels. The most promising talents advanced to the national-level India Skills 2024 competition, emerging as the nation’s skill stars.

Narrow miss

Gulshan Kumar, India’s competitor in joinery, narrowly missed the Medallion by just six marks. “His efforts, along with those of Narender Singh (WorldSkills India expert for joinery), and dedicated FFSC trainers Keshar Singh Rajput (Indian cabinet making competitor in 2019) and Hrithik Patra (India Skills winner in 2022), have been invaluable,” FFSC said in a press note.

Among other Indian competitors were Rahul Vishwakarma and Binu Bhaskaran (carpentry), who showcased immense dedication in a trade that, while familiar, presents new challenges at the world level.

Challenges ahead

Despite these achievements, India faces challenges in raising awareness and resources within the industry and among potential candidates. This Medallion is more than a win; it sends a powerful message. It underscores the importance of skill development and the potential of India's youth on the global stage.

India’s success at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 is just the beginning. FFSC has urged industry professionals to contribute in any capacity: providing training facilities, offering equipment, or sharing expertise.

This year the contributors were Caple Industrial Solution, Adler Wood India, Ajit Industries, Bhagwan Saw Mill, MVS Global and Sharp Gold for support in machinery, power tools, raw materials to manpower.

“To truly become world champions, we need to embed skilling into our culture, and there is no better way than through skill competitions. Let’s inspire the next generation to aim high and achieve greatness,” Rahul said.

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