Shanghai Plans WorldSkills Competition, 1,400 From 70 Countries

The WorldSkills Competition is described as the world’s most prestigious, largest and most influential vocational skills competition, representing the advanced global level of vocational skills development.
The competition has a history spanning nearly 80 years and is portrayed as more than a contest: it serves as a platform for skills connectivity, mutual learning among civilizations and international cooperation.
China says it will organize the event under the principles of openness, inclusiveness, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, while contributing what it calls Chinese wisdom and strength to global skills development.
China also intends to use the competition to showcase its national image, tell its story to an international audience and expand the global network connected through vocational skills.
The event is intended to demonstrate the highest standards of technical and vocational education and skills through its official competitions.
Shanghai will host the 48th WorldSkills Competition from September 22 to 27, 2026, drawing roughly 1,400 young competitors from about 70 countries and regions Xinhua. The event will feature 64 competitions spanning advanced vocational and technical skills, alongside a WorldSkills Conference and Expo aimed at boosting international cooperation in skilled trades education.
China describes the WorldSkills Competition as the planet's most prestigious and influential vocational skills contest, with nearly 80 years of history. The country plans to use the Shanghai event to showcase its national achievements, share its experience with the world, and strengthen global networks built through vocational education Xinhua.
The WorldSkills Competition brings together the world's best young technicians and craftspeople. Competitors will battle in 64 different skill categories, from welding and electrical work to graphic design and IT support. Xinhua reports the event will demonstrate the highest standards of technical education across nearly every major field.
China says the competition serves a deeper purpose beyond crowning winners. It's meant to be a platform for mutual learning between nations, skill sharing across cultures, and international partnerships. The added Conference and Expo will let educators, employers, and governments discuss vocational training trends and strategies.
By hosting in Shanghai, China aims to tell its own skills story to an international audience. The country wants to demonstrate its advances in vocational education and technical training to the world's top competitors and observers. Xinhua indicates this is part of a broader effort to expand China's influence in global skills development networks.
China has committed to organizing the event through principles of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation. Officials say the nation will bring what they call 'Chinese wisdom and strength' to global vocational skills development. The hosting role allows China to strengthen its position as a leader in technical education reform.
With nearly 80 years of history, WorldSkills has built an unmatched reputation in the vocational education world. The competition draws top young talent from every continent, creating a global stage where nations can measure their skills training programs against the world's best. Xinhua notes it's recognized as the most influential vocational competition globally.
The Shanghai event will attract roughly 1,400 competitors from about 70 countries, making it a truly international gathering. Beyond the competitions themselves, the Conference and Expo will host educators, business leaders, and policymakers from around the world seeking to learn new approaches to training the next generation of skilled workers.
Publishers
18
Articles
25
Reach
43