The Province of Namur can proudly acknowledge a world-class achievement. Loïc Nolleveaux, a young talent from its Hotel School, has returned from Shanghai with an Excellence Medal. This award was earned at the 2026 WorldSkills, the largest international competition dedicated to technical and professional trades.
From September 22nd to 27th, the Chinese metropolis hosted the 48th edition of WorldSkills. Approximately 1,500 young talents from 68 countries competed across 64 trades, all driven by the goal of showcasing their expertise at the highest international level.
Among the twelve young talents selected to represent Belgium as part of the Belgian Red Bears was Loïc Nolleveaux, aged 19. A graduate of the Namur Provincial Hotel School, he competed in the « Restaurant Service » category.
After four days of intense challenges against some of the world's top young professionals, Loïc finished 11th out of 29 competitors, scoring 713 points out of 800. This performance earned him an Excellence Medal.
This distinction holds particular significance. At WorldSkills, Excellence Medals recognize competitors who achieve a performance level deemed to meet international standards of excellence in their trade. For the Belgian delegation, these medals were awarded to candidates who surpassed the 700-point mark. This recognition highlights the technical mastery, precision, and professional level demonstrated by Loïc on the global stage.
In the 'Restaurant Service' category, competitors must demonstrate a wide range of skills, from knowledge of food and beverages to preparation and service techniques, equipment use, customer attentiveness, presentation, and adherence to professional standards. Loïc dedicated many months to honing these skills before representing Belgium in Shanghai.
This medal culminates an exceptional journey, rewarding Loïc's hard work, perseverance, and dedication, as well as the quality of his training at the Namur Provincial Hotel School. For the institution, this success is a significant acknowledgment of the education provided in hospitality and catering trades.
The Belgian delegation returns from Shanghai with a strong showing: one silver medal and four Excellence Medals, including Loïc's in restaurant service. A remarkable achievement for the young man from Namur.
