15 January 2026
All eyes turn to China as it readies for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
A new video shows how Shanghai is preparing to host the 48th WorldSkills Competition, inviting us to see the skills behind everyday moments.
Planning for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is advancing with momentum. While WorldSkills Members all across the world select and train their teams for this year’s Competition, the city of Shanghai is preparing not only to welcome them but to show the world that skills are everywhere, shaping daily life and supporting progress.
This is the core message of a newly released promotional video that introduces Shanghai as a living “Skill Exploration Map.” Looking at the city through the lens of the “Eye of Skill” – a pair of smart glasses that allow the user to see the skills behind ordinary moments – a young man discovers some of the dynamic skills that will be featured at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Stretching from the Huangpu Riverbank through the city’s iconic plane tree-lined streets to the breathtaking rooftop of the WorldSkills Museum, the video also offers a glimpse into Shanghai as a hub for innovation and exchange.
The 48th WorldSkills Competition will take place from 22 to 27 September 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention (NECC) – the world’s largest exhibition venue. This is the first time that China will host the global stage for skills, marking a significant milestone for the WorldSkills movement. As one of the world’s largest economies and home to the world’s largest TVET system, China is uniquely positioned to inspire the next generation to pursue skilled careers.
The event is expected to bring together participants from more than 70 Member countries and regions, competing across 64 skills, including seven new emerging occupations.
Alongside the Competition, WorldSkills Conference 2026 will gather government officials, policymakers, business and industry leaders, educators, youth organizations, and skills advocates under the banner “Shaping a Skills-Driven Future”. With an expanded agenda and new interactive session formats, the programme will unite the global skills community to connect, learn, and explore the future of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).