LIXIL Strengthens Pipeline for Plumbing Professionals in New WorldSkills Agreement

TOKYO, JAPAN — LIXIL, maker of water and housing products used by installers around the world, has become the newest Global Industry Partner of WorldSkills International. The partnership builds on years of support through its GROHE brand and expands LIXIL’s commitment to strengthening vocational education for plumbing and installation professionals.

Global shortages of qualified plumbers and installers continue to slow the rollout of water-saving and energy-efficient technologies. LIXIL’s expanded collaboration with WorldSkills aims to accelerate training access and help prepare the industry’s future workforce.

Expanding a Global Network of Hands-On Training Programs

LIXIL has supported trades education for years through a broad set of regional and brand-led initiatives. These include the INAX Institute of the Tiling Arts and LIXIL Building Material Technical College in Japan, the GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education (GIVE) Program across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and American Standard’s TradeUp initiative in North America.

The company also partners with organizations such as Tools & Tiaras Inc. to encourage more girls and women into skilled trades. In emerging markets, LIXIL’s SATO social business helps develop local entrepreneurs and foundational installation skills for sanitation products.

Building a More Inclusive Trade Workforce

LIXIL says that supporting aspiring and experienced tradespeople of all ages and backgrounds strengthens local economies and creates healthier labor markets. The company views workforce development as a central part of its growth strategy and long-term Purpose.

GROHE will continue its work with WorldSkills as a Gold Sponsor of the EuroSkills Competition, supporting excellence in plumbing and installation events.

Collaborating With Policymakers and Educators

Through the global partnership, LIXIL and its brands will work with educators, policymakers and industry leaders to advocate for vocational training, incorporate new technologies into skills programs and help make the plumbing profession more attractive to new 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."

Advancing Skills to Strengthen Local Economies

WorldSkills works across 89 member countries and regions to elevate skilled professions through competitions, outreach and advocacy. LIXIL’s partnership contributes to this global mission by supporting young professionals, diverse craftspeople and the local economies they serve.

According to the company, these collaborations reinforce its commitment to creating positive impact and advancing its Purpose of making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere.

To learn more about LIXIL’s STORY on IITA, visit newsroom.lixil.com.

To learn more about GIVE, TradeUp and collaboration with Tools & Tiaras, visit www.lixil.com/en/stories/stories_32.

Learn more about WorldSkills on our TRAINING page:

From Connecticut Shop Class to the World Stage: One Apprentice’s Journey to WorldSkills 2026

IAPMO Marks 10-Year Partnership with WorldSkills to Advance Plumbing Trades

Changing the Narrative About Plumbing at WorldSkills Lyon 2024

Note: this press release was rewritten with help from generative AI.