The 48th WorldSkills Competition took place in Shanghai, China, from 22 to 27 September 2026, bringing together young skilled professionals to demonstrate their abilities across 64 professions. Held every two years, the event celebrates vocational excellence and the role of training in developing talent across a wide range of sectors, including Additive Manufacturing.

In this category, France’s Alexis Aubert won the gold medal, achieving international recognition for his technical skills and preparation. For EWF, this success has particular significance through the French team’s connection to the International Additive Manufacturing Qualification System (IAMQS).

Alexis and reserve competitors Titouan Jacquemart and Emerann Le Gall obtained IAMQS CU-00, the introductory competence unit providing an overview of Additive Manufacturing processes. This unit represents a first step within the IAMQS qualification pathway, establishing a foundation for further skills development.

Their coach, Julien Bajolet, is also an IAMQS trainer and holds the IAMQS Process Engineer DED-Arc qualification. The team’s preparation took place at the AFPMA Centre of Excellence, an Approved Training Body authorised in both welding and Additive Manufacturing by AFS - Association Française du Soudage, the French Authorised Nominated Body. This connects the achievement to a wider network of trainers, qualification bodies and training centres working to develop skills in the sector.

Managed by EWF, IAMQS provides a harmonised approach to the development and recognition of competences for Additive Manufacturing professionals. Created by industry and for industry, it offers qualification pathways for different professional profiles, helping individuals and companies build the knowledge and skills required to apply AM technologies at an industrial level.

For EWF, seeing IAMQS form part of the French team’s development is a source of pride and an encouraging example of its relevance to emerging talent. The gold medal reflects a broader effort involving dedication, practical experience, coaching and the support of several organisations. Within that collective effort, IAMQS training and qualifications have contributed to the learning journey of both the competitors and their coach.

This achievement reinforces our commitment to supporting high-quality training and internationally recognised qualifications, working with our members and training network to prepare the next generation of Additive Manufacturing professionals.

EWF congratulates Alexis Aubert, Titouan Jacquemart, Emerann Le Gall, Julien Bajolet, AFS, AFPMA and everyone involved in this outstanding achievement!

Discover more about IAMQS and its qualification pathways.