Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The 5th National Vocational Skills Championship, WorldSkills Samarkand-2025, took place in Samarkand from 26 January to 4 February.

The competition, supported by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation and the WorldSkills Uzbekistan Association, brought together over 140 participants.

The event featured four key skill areas: Welding Technologies, Electrical Installation, Plumbing and Heating, and Medical and Social Care. The Welding Technologies category was sponsored by ESAB, a global leader in welding equipment.

Contestants demonstrated their expertise in various types of joint connections. The winner in this category was Javokhir Kholikulov, a student from Polytechnic College No. 1 in Pakhtachi District. The second place went to Asadbek Abdunabiyev (Polytechnic College No. 4, Pastdargom District), while Javokhir Jumaev (Bukhara College of Oil and Gas Industry) secured third place.

For the first time in the history of WorldSkills Samarkand, the Masters’ Championship was held, allowing experienced professionals to showcase their advanced skills.

Alongside the competition, the Third International Forum on the Future Development of Uzbekistan’s Vocational Education System took place, gathering government officials, educators, international organizations, and business representatives. Speakers discussed the prospects of vocational education and career opportunities for young people.

Finalists of WorldSkills Samarkand-2025 will represent Uzbekistan at the WorldSkills Asia Competition Taipei-2025, scheduled for 23–27 November in Taiwan.