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Amsterdam celebrates craftsmanship: Skills The Finals in the RAI

19 March 2025

Amsterdam has been around for 750 years, and we celebrate that not only with history, but also with the future! Craftsmanship Week is all about the makers of tomorrow. On March 20 and 21, the RAI will be the setting for Skills The Finals, the national professional competitions for pre-vocational secondary education and secondary vocational education students. Here hundreds of young professionals show what they have to offer.

A Week of Craftsmanship

The Week of Craftsmanship showcases the importance of skilled professionals. Across the country, companies, schools, and workshops open their doors to allow visitors to explore various professions. Whether you’re interested in technology, healthcare, hospitality, or creative trades, there are activities everywhere where you can get hands-on.

In Amsterdam, all of this comes together during Skills The Finals, where the very best young professionals from across the Netherlands compete against each other at RAI Amsterdam.

Skills The Finals: The Battle for the Best Craftsmanship

On March 20 and 21, RAI will transform into a vibrant competition arena. Hundreds of secondary vocational (VMBO) and middle-level vocational (MBO) students will compete in more than 60 skill-based contests for the title of ‘Best in the Netherlands.’ From chefs to technicians, and from bricklayers to beauty experts, all professions will be represented. The winners will be crowned the best craftsmen in the Netherlands and even have the chance to advance internationally to WorldSkills.

Come watch and participate!

Want to see the best young professionals in action? Or discover if a trade is right for you? Skills The Finals is free to attend. Visitors can experience the competitions live, ask professionals questions, and try out different professions themselves. An inspiring experience for high school students, college students, and anyone curious about craftsmanship in practice. Stop by and discover the makers of the future!

Free tickets & more about Skills the Finals