Showcasing Expertise and Innovation
Radek Kříž, PPG Architectural Coatings system expert in Czechia, served as a technical expert for the Painting and Decorating competition at EuroSkills.
“This was my first EuroSkills competition, and it was both very demanding and rewarding. Each day meant nearly 12 hours of closely supervising the competition — accompanying the Czech competitor, Monika, ensuring rules were followed, protecting participants from distractions, and judging work in expert groups after each module. The level of competition was even higher than at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, which added extra pressure for all judges. Still, seeing the incredible skills, determination, and pride of the participants was inspiring. This experience strengthened my sense of European unity and reinforced how vital it is to invest in young professionals, because their success is truly the future of our industry,” said Kříž.
Torben Beck, PPG general manager, North Europe & China, Architectural Coatings, took to the stage for the closing ceremony to hand out medals to the top three young European painters.
“On behalf of PPG, I warmly congratulate all the winners of EuroSkills Herning 2025,” said Beck. “I am especially proud of the Painting and Decorating champions, whose talent and dedication were apparent during the competition. I also want to thank the many international experts who guided the young competitors and oversaw the marking of the competition – without their dedication, this event would not be possible. It is important that we continue to support events that help attract more young people to our industry.”
“At PPG, we are proud to support this unique European event, as well as national competitions, and to contribute to the learning journeys of these talented professionals that represent the future of our industry,” said István Miavecz, PPG general manager, Central & South Europe, Architectural Coatings.
Miavecz participated in the Winner Circle, distributing paint brush shaped trophies to the top three European painters, along with a gift from PPG.
The winners in Painting and Decorating included:
- Gold Medal – Carmen Bircher from Switzerland
- Silver Medal – Anna Hüllner from Germany
- Bronze Medal – Katharina Höller from Austria
- Speed Mural Winner – Hildur Magnúsdóttir from Iceland
“At PPG, we are proud to support this unique European event, as well as national competitions, and to contribute to the learning journeys of these talented professionals that represent the future of our industry,” said István Miavecz, PPG general manager, Central & South Europe, Architectural Coatings.
Building the Future: PPG’s Commitment to Education and Workforce Development
In addition to the competition floor, PPG contributed to the Try-a-Skill area, where students and visitors experienced hands-on mural and painting techniques. Beck also joined a roundtable discussion on inspiring and retaining young talent, reinforcing PPG’s role in addressing the future of the painting profession.
EuroSkills provided a unique platform to connect with educators, policymakers and industry leaders. His Majesty King Frederik X of Denmark and EU ministers attended in recognition of the importance of the event in advancing vocational education.
For PPG, this sponsorship goes beyond showcasing paints and tools. It represents part of our broader commitment to education and workforce development worldwide. In 2023, PPG and the PPG Foundation announced an investment in programs that provide training, curriculum development and career readiness resources for students and educators.
By investing in EuroSkills and other initiatives, PPG continues to help prepare the workforce of tomorrow and equip young professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
