SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference
In June, four PPG employees joined rising automotive refinish talent in the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia —an event often described as the “Olympics” for students mastering technical trades. This annual competition brings together the brightest young talents from across the nation, showcasing their skills and dedication in various technical disciplines.
Among the many exciting competitions, the Automotive Refinish Technology segment stood out, challenging students to demonstrate precision and expertise in critical refinishing tasks such as Color Tinting, Spot Repair, Featheredge, Prime & Block, and Masking. This year, PPG proudly sponsored the Color Tinting portion of the competition, underscoring our commitment to advancing automotive refinishing education and innovation.
Using PPG’s cutting-edge Envirobase waterborne paint system, competitors demonstrated their mastery of color theory and practical application. With the aid of the PPG color wheel toner chart, students selected the appropriate toners, adjusted formulas and completed sprayouts to achieve closer color matches. This meticulous process is vital in automotive refinishing, where precise color tinting ensures seamless repairs that restore vehicles to their original factory finish—maintaining both aesthetic appeal and resale value. Up next, PPG will continue the sponsorship in 2026.
Skills The Finals – WorldSkills Netherlands National Competition powered by Sigma Coatings
In early March, more than 600 students gathered in Den Bosch to compete for the coveted champion title across 60 trade competitions. From lightning-fast car mechanics to painters with a keen eye for detail – the event showcased a wide range of talents. Participants in the Painting and Decorating competition tackled timed tasks, such as precisely painting a panel door and door frame, using Sigma Coatings paints by PPG. Watch the video from the event here.
Building Skills in China – 2025 National Art Coatings Painting Final Competition powered by Master Mark
In early September, PPG continued our exclusive sponsorship of the China Coatings National Work Skills Art Coatings Painting Final Competition in Shanghai organized by the China Coatings Industry Association and China National Work Skills Education Center. It is the second year the PPG Architecture Coatings team sponsored this competition. Last year, the focus was on color matching, while 2025 was focused on art coatings painting.
The Master Mark art coatings were provided to the contestants, and the final competition was organized during the 2025 China Coatings Show in Shanghai New International Expo Center. China AC team held a new product launch event during the coatings show.
Taitaja2025 Turku – Finnish National Skills Competition powered by Tikkurila
Since 2007, PPG Tikkurila has supported the Taitaja competition in Finland to encourage young people considering careers in painting. This year, the nationwide competition took place in early May in Turku, bringing together 450 students competing across various skill categories. In the painting category, competitors used Tikkurila by PPG products, with PPG technical advisor, Tarmo Hämäläinen, once again serving as chief judge.
This year’s event was held under the patronage of the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb.
“Dreamers dare to break their own boundaries and test what their own resources are capable of. So don't fall into cynicism, but keep an open mind. This is how you will be able to believe in yourself in the face of challenges,” President Stubb advised the participants.
2025 Młody Malarz Roku Crowned in Poland
The PPG team in Poland played a key role in selecting the 'Young Painter of the Year 2025' during the ‘Golden Trowel’ Construction Tournament. Damian Kwiatkowski, age 17, won in the Painting and Wallpapering category, earning recognition as both the Best Practitioner and Best Theorist among 2,600 students from dozens of construction schools across the country.
PPG’s efforts to support the future workforce continue to be recognized and appreciated—not only by students and educators but also by public authorities. Jarosław Domowicz, PPG techical service manager, who leads and coordinates these activities, was honored with the prestigious Medal of the National Education Commission for his outstanding contributions to education and youth development.
CzechSkills competitions supported by Primalex and NexaAutocolor
In the Czech Republic, the national CzechSkills competition took place for the first time under one roof, featuring 12 official skill competitions – including Painting and Decorating, which was supported by our Primalex brand – and 10 additional skill showcases. Check out the video from the event.
Earlier in April, a national automotive skills competition under the CzechSkills umbrella – called “Autoopravář Junior” – was supported by PPG Automotive Refinish distributor AutoFit and our Nexa Autocolor brand.
WorldSkills France Competitions supported by Seigneurie
Our French team, together with the SEIGNEURIE brand, has been guiding young painters toward excellence as they prepare for the regional WorldSkills France finals and the upcoming national competition, set to take place in Marseille this October.
They’ve proudly supported skills competitions for young people in France for 13 years, helping to inspire and develop the next generation of painting professionals!
Szakma Sztár Fesztivál 2025 - Hungarian National Skills Competition supported by Héra
Hungary’s Professional Star Festival 2025 took place in Budapest. In its eighteenth edition, the festival hosted nearly 200 students competing across more than 50 professional categories. The painting category was supported by PPG Trilak and the Héra brand, with PPG’s technical team participating in the judging process.
Getting ready for EuroSkillls 2025
Last but not least, Europe’s top young painters are getting ready for the EuroSkills 2025 Painting and Decorating competition, taking place in Denmark this September.
Held every two years, EuroSkills gives rising stars the opportunity to showcase their vocational talents on an international stage. The 2025 edition will bring together hundreds of competitors from 33 countries, competing across 38 different skill categories.
