In October 2025, Nurit Davidowicz from Vienna, Austria, was appointed as the Global Dream Ambassador for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 at WorldSkills General Assembly 2025. This distinction recognizes her technical excellence, and also affirms her commitment to advancing equality and inclusion in skills. As a young mechatronics expert, a Siemens apprentice and a rising talent in the field of Industry 4.0, Nurit represents a new generation of skilled professionals — highly competent, globally minded, and redefining perceptions of traditional careers through innovation and purpose.

An unconventional journey: From social media algorithms to the WorldSkills stage

Nurit’s journey in skills has been one of self-discovery. After graduating from high school, she initially followed a traditional path and enrolled in university to study physics. However, she soon realized it was not the right fit. After making the courageous decision to withdraw, she began exploring the field of engineering and strategically leveraged social media algorithms to open new opportunities for herself.

“By searching for keywords like ‘engineering’ and ‘technical colleges,’ I ensured that ads for technical programs appeared in my feed,” Nurit recalls. This digital-age job-search strategy proved to be effective. Before long, she came across an advert for Siemens’ dual study program, which opened a new chapter in her life.

As a mechatronics apprentice at Siemens, Nurit embraced a distinctive learning model. She worked at the company from Monday to Thursday while developing her skills in the evenings. This dual system allowed her to earn a salary, like apprentices across Austria, and achieve financial independence, while the company also funded her higher education. She has completed her apprenticeship and now is part of a software development team at Siemens, where she develops predictive maintenance applications for factory equipment. At the same time, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Digital Communications at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien.

“The combination of knowledge in mechatronics and IT helps me understand complex systems and develop software for them to predict problems in a factory,” Nurit explains, clarifying that Industry 4.0 is not a “classic job”, but rather a broader field of interest where people with different skills can fit in.

Nurit’s path to WorldSkills was shaped by both opportunity and ambition. Her instructor at Siemens, who had been a judge for Industry 4.0 at AustrianSkills, Austria’s national skills competition, recognized her exceptional potential. Encouraged by her instructor, Nurit teamed up with a colleague, first winning the national competition and then advancing to the global stage at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, where she earned a Medallion for Excellence in Industry 4.0.

Ambassador’s mission: Advancing equality and inclusion in skills

Being appointed as a Global Dream Ambassador for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 carries deep personal meaning for Nurit. “Skills make me happy. It’s what gives me passion, and it’s why I want to wake up each day. It is an honor to be a dream ambassador. For me, it means to dream, to hope, to have motivation and to not give up. Although we have many problems in this world, we look for solutions and do not to see the negative side only, and are positive about the future,” she shared emotionally.

This new role aligns perfectly with her long-standing advocacy. Nurit has experience in representative roles and is a natural spokesperson and advocate. She has been a high-school student representative and currently represents the apprentices at Siemens. As WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for Europe, uses this international platform to promote equality, inclusion, and representation.

As the only woman in her apprenticeship year at Siemens, she initially had concerns about gender biases but was pleased to find a supportive environment. “At least in my year, there were never any problems with me being a woman. I was taken just as seriously as any other apprentice,” she says. However, she acknowledges the underrepresentation of women in her field, with previous years having no women apprentices at all.

In her role as Global Skills Ambassador, she hopes to advocate for a future where opportunities in skilled trades are accessible to all, regardless of gender, background, or identity.

Message for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026: Anticipating an unprecedented skills event

Nurit is full of excitement for the upcoming WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, “I think WorldSkills in Shanghai will be the biggest Competition we have ever seen. I’m looking forward to seeing all of the skills. I hope that every country from around the world comes to see this amazing Event.”

She extends a warm message to all Competitors and participants, “Dear WorldSkills Members, please enjoy your time in Shanghai during the Competition. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see so many different skills in one place and to learn about them in depth. Stay curious and let yourselves be fascinated by the power of skills. To the Competitors, good luck! Every day is a new day with new opportunities.”

Nurit emphasizes that skills are not just about career development, but about personal growth and self-fulfilment. “It is passion in your skill that will be the spark for your professional career and your personal life.” This young skills advocate proves that with her own life story: by finding what you truly love, you can forge your own unique path in the currents of our time.