Hands-on, interactive, and future-oriented at INTERTOOL x WELDING 2026 Austria's industry and crafts are exciting, innovative, and full of opportunities: This is exactly what the new SkillQuest Challenge shows, which will premiere at the INTERTOOL x WELDING 2026 at the Wels Exhibition Center. A joint initiative by SkillsAustria and Austrian Exhibition Experts for career orientation that excites young people and makes companies visible as attractive employers.
Learning by experiencing
The SkillQuest invites students, apprentices, and young adults on April 21, 2026, to experience industrial professions up close. At interactive stations, live demonstrations, and 'Try a Skill' formats, participants can actively engage, try out technologies, and have direct conversations with professionals.
The focus is on the experience: Every participation is rewarded, every experience counts – and is a personal gain. The goal is to spark curiosity and enthusiasm, break down barriers, and provide guidance in career choices.
Craft & Industry as a future opportunity
Modern industry today means high-tech, teamwork, creativity – with international perspectives. With SkillQuest, SkillsAustria and Austrian Exhibition Experts make visible how innovative, diverse, and future-relevant technical professions and modern working environments are today. 'With SkillQuest, we are sending a clear signal that career orientation can be inspiring. We create a stage where young people can discover their talents and companies can showcase their innovative strength. Hands-on experiences are the key to igniting enthusiasm for technology and craftsmanship,' emphasizes Jürgen Kraft, Managing Director of SkillsAustria.
The fair as a platform for future skills
The INTERTOOL x WELDING 2026 is thus consciously becoming a bridge between business, education, and young talent. As one of Austria's most important industrial platforms, it offers the ideal framework to reach talents early and make companies visible as attractive employers. 'Especially in times of skilled labor shortages, new ways are needed to inspire young people for technology, craftsmanship, and industry. SkillQuest shows how trade fairs can become places of inspiration, orientation, and future opportunities,' emphasizes Clara Wiltschke, Managing Director of Austrian Exhibition Experts.
A strong signal for the location Austria
With SkillQuest, SkillsAustria and Austrian Exhibition Experts anchor career orientation where innovation is created: in the midst of industrial activity. The initiative underscores how collaboration between educational initiatives, companies, and trade fair platforms is essential to sustainably address the skilled labor shortage – and to encourage young people to pursue their own career paths. Throughout Austria, April 21, 2026, is dedicated to the Day of Young Skilled Workers, which
focuses on training, career prospects, and the economic and professional location of Austria. Nationwide, initiatives, events, and trade fair formats will be implemented on this day that deal with the challenges and opportunities of young skilled workers. With the SkillQuest Challenge, INTERTOOL x WELDING makes an active contribution to this focus and makes career orientation tangible where the future is shaped – right in the industry. From now on, school classes and interested parties can register for SkillQuest:
Contact:
www.skillquest.at
