Welding may be one of the oldest industrial skills, but today it stands at the cutting edge of innovation. From advanced automotive production to circular manufacturing and green technologies, welding is shaping the future of industry. It is essential across sectors such as automotive, construction, energy, shipbuilding and infrastructure, where the quality of every weld directly affects safety, durability and performance.
More than half of all manufactured products worldwide rely on welding processes – from vehicles and machinery to pipelines, buildings and renewable energy systems. In offshore wind farms, for example, every turbine depends on high-precision welding capable of withstanding extreme conditions at sea, where even the smallest defect can have major consequences.
As industries transition towards digitalisation and sustainability, welding is evolving rapidly – integrating robotics, automation and advanced materials. This transformation is creating strong demand for a new generation of professionals equipped with modern, practice-oriented skills.
In central Serbia, this development is supported through the joint efforts of the WELDNET and WELDIFY Erasmus+ projects. These initiatives bring together key partners, including REDASP, MIND Park, the Secondary Vocational School “Knez Aleksandar Karađorđević”, Kragujevac and Helix Connect, with the aim of strengthening cooperation between education, industry and regional development, and aligning skills development with the needs of a rapidly changing industrial landscape.
“The synergy between WELDNET and WELDIFY allows us to maximise the impact of both initiatives – combining systemic development of skills ecosystems with practical approaches to skills development. This integrated approach is crucial for strengthening the competitiveness of our region and positioning Šumadija and Pomoravlje as a relevant hub for advanced manufacturing and future-oriented skills at the European level,” said Nenad Popović, Director at REDASP.
This strategic cooperation is continuously translated into concrete activities on the ground. At a recent meeting held at MIND Park in Kragujevac, partners gathered to exchange insights and coordinate next steps, with a strong focus on mapping the skills ecosystem and assessing the capacities of vocational training providers. The objective is clear – to ensure that education systems keep pace with industry demands and that training providers are equipped to support future workforce needs.
The meeting also marked an important step in preparing the upcoming National Welding Competition, envisioned not merely as a contest, but as a dynamic platform that connects students, educators and industry representatives, while showcasing the importance of modern welding skills.
The competition will take place from 22 to 24 May 2026, bringing together some of the most talented vocational students from across Serbia.
It is conceptually structured into two complementary components, combining practical and theoretical assessment. The practical part will be conducted at AMM / MIND Park, where participants will perform welding tasks in a real industrial environment, using professional equipment and materials. This approach ensures that their skills are tested under conditions that closely reflect real-world industry standards.
The final phase of the competition will include a theoretical assessment, providing a comprehensive evaluation of participants’ knowledge and competencies. The activity is implemented within the framework of the WELDNET ecosystem, in cooperation with relevant educational partners, including the Technical School in Trstenik as the official organiser.
Around 60 students, accompanied by their mentors, are expected to take part, with total participation exceeding 100 participants. Competitors will demonstrate their abilities in three disciplines – MAG, SMAW and TIG welding – after qualifying at the school level.
More than a competition, this event represents a valuable meeting point between education and industry. It aims to promote vocational excellence, strengthen practical skills development and foster closer cooperation between training providers and companies, while also highlighting the results and approaches developed within the WELDNET and WELDIFY projects.More details about the competition will be announced soon.
