Tuesday, March 19 – Welcome
Participants, experts, and school leaders gathered at Kirkenes Upper Secondary School to prepare for Wednesday’s challenges. They familiarized themselves with the facilities and equipment, while also making new acquaintances and practicing their English skills. Among the participating schools were Gränsälvsgymnasiet and Utbilding Nor from Sweden, as well as participants from Lappia, Redu, and Sogssakk in Finland. From Finnmark and Norway, students from Alta VGS, Karasjok VGS, Kautokeino VGS, and Kirkenes VGS participated.
Opening Ceremony:
The Bygøynessalen at Ton Hotel hosted the grand opening. Cultural school students impressed with an energetic dance show, while students Djeliane Ferrer from Kirkenes and Jonas Buska from Sweden conducted the oath-taking. Participants from all 13 fields were presented on stage, and this year’s ArcticSkills was officially opened by County Mayor Hans Jakob Bønå.
Wednesday, March 20 – Competition Day:
With a mix of nervousness and excitement, participants tackled their tasks. From Building Construction to Welding, they challenged themselves in various professions. The students showcased their skills in different fields, and the level among them was very high. The weather was at its best as the Heavy Machinery Operator competition took place in sunshine, where participants competed with wheel loaders and excavators focusing on precision. Invited guests from Sandnes and Bjørnevatn high schools were bussed in and guided around to gain insight into the different fields: The joy of the event spread to the guests, who experienced the energy and engagement among the participants. The school was open to anyone who wanted to come and experience ArcticSkills. Altogether, it was a great event with a high level of excitement throughout the day.
Closing Ceremony and Banquet: 
Miina E. Kerokoski opened the closing ceremony with a moving rendition of “Fairytale.” May-Bente Eriksen from the education department emphasized the importance of ArcticSkills and Finnmark County’s commitment to the event, focusing on collaboration with Sweden and Finland, professional pride, and the exchange of experiences between countries. The emcees Nikita and Polina guided the evening with professionalism, while Chairman Svein Tore Jakobsen and Øystein Hansen shared inspiring words.
Bjørnevatn Trommekorps concluded the evening in a rhythmic manner.
Øystein handed over the Baton to Övertorneå, good luck for hosting ArcticSkills 2025.
RESULTS
Videos from ArcticSkills 2024
ArcticSkills 2024 – Opening – FB: https://fb.watch/qZjDWv6hOA/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/J4STBsOpWkU?si=lwqwb0oe-mtAPa0q
ArcticSkills 2024 – Part 1 – Competition – FB: https://fb.watch/qZjLNuZfOu/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/pnf-aBrIWcc
ArcticSkills 2024 – Part 2 – Heavy Machinery Operator – FB: https://fb.watch/qZjlc1M_jK/ – Youtube: https://youtu.be/z-Ed-D_r7H0
ArcticSkills 2024 – Part 3 – Competition and closing – FB – https://fb.watch/qZ1J5Uj56M/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/1HpWriGYxQ0
ArcticSkills 2024 – Bonus – Bjørnevatn Trommekorps – https://youtu.be/E_o42VawA3k
Thanks to:
BARENTS SECRETARIAT
NORDPLUS
FINNMARK COUNTY MUNICIPALITY
REDU
LAPPIA
GRÄNSÄLVSGYMNASIET
UTBILDING NOR TOSV
LYDGARASJEN
ALL INVOLVED SCHOOLS, STUDENTS, LEADERS, CLEANERS, HELPERS, AND OTHER CONTRIBUTORS
