Fourteen participants from across the globe put their skills to the test in a tough but fair competition. The winners in the "Offset printing" category at WorldSkills 2009 in Calgary, Canada, were decided after two days of competition. Martin Ernst from Switzerland and Noriaki Kikuchi from Japan took gold, while Stefan Gross from Germany and Simon Beauchamp from Canada both won bronze. A silver medal was not awarded.
 
The candidates each had to create a print product in two passes and within a set time while reproducing the density and color values of the original. The finalists also had to mix a spot color to match an original and resolve various printing problems with the aid of a simulation program. The panel judged their performance based on evaluation criteria including time management, the volume of paper waste generated, accuracy and color deviation.

Heidelberg - a supporter of WorldSkills since 2005
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) has sponsored both the international WorldSkills event and the preliminary SkillsGermany competition, which determines the finalists from Germany, since 2005. Heidelberg provided two latest-generation Speedmaster SM 52 presses and a Polar cutter for the competition in Calgary. 

"WorldSkills 2009 has once again proven that the job of an offset printer is both fascinating and challenging. Heidelberg is delighted to use this opportunity to showcase this occupation on an international platform and to demonstrate its appeal to young people," says Karl Kowalczyk, an expert in offset printing at WorldSkills and employee of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG.

At this year's international vocational world championships, the best trainees from 45 key occupations pitted their skills against one another. Some 900 participants from all around the world traveled to Calgary to take part in the competition. The initiative, which was founded 59 years ago, is designed to arouse young people's enthusiasm for interesting occupations and highlight possible career paths.

More information on the initiative is available online at www.worldskills2009.com and www.skillsgermany.de.

Information on Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG can be found at www.heidelberg.com.