(Left: David Hoey, CEO, WorldSkills International, Center: Troy Benavidez, Leader, LPP, LIXIL, Right: Francis Hourant, President and Chair of the Board, WorldSkills International)
Partnership to address the global skilled labor shortage by fostering the next generation of professionals across the water, housing and sanitation sectors
Tokyo – LIXIL Corporation (“LIXIL"), maker of pioneering water and housing products, today announced that it has become the newest Global Industry Partner of WorldSkills International.
This new global partnership elevates LIXIL’s long-standing commitment to vocational education, building upon the strong foundation of support from its brand GROHE, which has championed Worldskills for many years. The critical shortage of skilled plumbers and installers worldwide poses a significant threat to public health, sustainable development, and economic growth, hindering the adoption of essential water-saving and energy-efficient technologies. Through this expanded collaboration, LIXIL will reinforce its commitment to addressing this global issue by acting as a partner to foster and empower a new generation of professionals.
For years, LIXIL has been committed to supporting talent across the globe through diverse skills training programs. Initiatives include the INAX Institute of the Tiling Arts (IITA *Japanese Only), LIXIL Building Material Technical College (LBTC *Japanese Only), the GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education (GIVE) Program, American Standard's TradeUp initiative, empowering girls through partnerships with Tools & Tiaras Inc. and developing local entrepreneurs and skilled labor in emerging markets via its social business SATO.
Supporting aspiring and existing tradespeople of all ages, genders, and backgrounds contributes to individual livelihoods, invigorates local economies, and strengthens markets for the future. This business approach is integral to LIXIL’s growth strategy and its Purpose.
Building on the long standing relationship with WorldSkills, LIXIL’s GROHE brand will continue its role as a Gold Sponsor for the EuroSkills Competition, championing excellence and supporting contestants in the plumbing sector.
Through its GROHE brand, the expanded global partnership will allow the teams at LIXIL and its brands, including GROHE, to engage with policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to advocate for vocational training, enhance training programs with our innovative technologies, and create a more inclusive and attractive profession for a new generation of talent.
"We are honored to partner with WorldSkills," said Kinya Seto, CEO of LIXIL. "This collaboration builds upon the dedicated efforts of our GROHE brand and our long-standing commitment at LIXIL to tackling the global skills gap. By empowering the next generation of skilled laborers, we are not just investing in our industry's future, but also helping to build stronger communities."
David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International said, “We are excited to keep building on this great work with LIXIL and its GROHE brand. It has unparalleled insights into water and housing technology and the skills that are needed to deliver more sustainable water and sanitation solutions. As we look towards WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, we can’t wait to unlock many new opportunities together.”
WorldSkills is a global movement that raises the profile and recognition of skilled people through competitions, outreach, and by influencing industry, government, and educators. It brings together 89 member countries and regions to advance the power of skills in improving lives and economies.
Through this and other collaborations, LIXIL reaffirms its commitment to supporting aspiring young professionals, diverse skilled craftspeople, and vibrant local economies, driving both our sustainable growth and shared success. LIXIL will continue to create a positive impact, in pursuit of its purpose of making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere.
To learn more about LIXIL’s STORY on IITA, see here.
To learn more about GIVE, TradeUp and collaboration with Tools & Tiaras, see here.
To learn more about SATO‘s training initiatives in refugee camps, see here.