The WorldSkills Champions Trust is a volunteer group comprised of former competitors, serving as the voice of young people within the WorldSkills movement.

Their mission is to enhance engagement and encourage active participation in various WorldSkills projects, initiatives, and activities.

Nbc's team is in Lyon, France, and spoke to some of these champions.

The biggest global movement to advance vocational skills, but one that does not get the recognition it deserves from policymakers, were some of the views expressed by the former winners.

But for WorldSkills, the number of participating countries is growing each year.

Over 60 countries are in Lyon this year, representing 84 organizations, with the average age of a competitor standing at 22.

Namibia's Justina Ashiyana competed at the WorldSkills International Abu Dhabi in 2017, in joinery, a male-dominated skill.

Ashiyana had many dreams. At first, she wanted to be a plumber, but later an architect and a joiner.

"It became a challenge when I went to the WorldSkills National Competition in 2016. It was a challenge because I was the only female competitor among the male-dominated skills. At first, I was nervous, but it never slowed me down. I put hope in myself, and I believed that I could do it. So, I competed and took a position, which was a bronze medal, and that raised my profile."

Dan McCabe is a WorldSkills Champion representing Europe. He is of the opinion that those in power need to do more to ensure the global recognition of technical and vocational skills.

It is crucial for policymakers, politicians, and leading institutions to pay attention to today's youth, particularly those equipped with the skills to address these issues.

"So the young people under this roof can see tomorrow's problems today. And it's important for policymakers, politicians, and high-ranking institutions to listen to the youth of today and the people with the skills to solve those problems. So we don't just react to problems, we should be proactive in solving them."

For South African Mihle Mvelukabu, the WorldSkills platform has contributed to his personal growth.

"With everything I've gained, I was able to return to my country and share this knowledge with others. This is not just my gift, but a gift to you as well. It's a form of development support for everyone involved."

The WorldSkills Competition concludes this Sunday with a medal ceremony.