China celebrates the one-year countdown to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

A grand ceremony held on 22 September at the Friendship Hall of the Shanghai Exhibition Center marked the one-year countdown to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

The event showcased progress made by the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau, kicked off volunteer recruitment, and appointed the ten young ambassadors who will shine a light on the power of skills.

Hosting the 48th WorldSkills Competition highlights China’s commitment to using skills as a bridge to connect with the world. The country aims to deliver an innovative event that strengthens international exchange and mutual learning in skills development, while showcasing achievements in vocational skills training.

The event was attended by Yan Qinghui, vice minister of Human Resources and Social Security, member of its Leading Party Members Group, and deputy director of the WorldSkills Organizing Committee, together with Chen Jie, vice mayor of Shanghai, member of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal Committee, and deputy director of the WorldSkills Organizing Committee, and Michael Fung, WorldSkills Board member.

In a video address, WorldSkills CEO David Hoey noted that China’s ambitions to host the world’s largest skills competition continue to impress the WorldSkills movement. He reaffirmed the desire of WorldSkills to deliver an event with a lasting legacy.

“A legacy that attracts more young people from across China to find personal fulfilment and professional success in a skilled career; that further embeds the WorldSkills Occupational Standards into your Technical and Vocational Training, and a legacy from WorldSkills Conference 2026 that will be a catalyst to create skilled strategies to build a better world,” said Mr Hoey.

The ceremony also launched volunteer recruitment, calling for people of all ages to contribute their time and skills in helping deliver such a large-scale, complex event supporting event operations, guest reception, and other services at venues across Shanghai, including Pudong and Hongqiao airports, railway stations, and designated hotels. Their role will be key in ensuring WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 runs smoothly.

Another key moment was the unveiling of the services and customized support that will be delivered by four National Strategic Sponsors – Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Bank of Communications, SAIC Group, and BOSS Zhipin. Ranging from funds to facilities and equipment, transportation, and event-related services, the business community has shown strong support for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Since sponsorship applications opened, more than 200 companies from around the world have expressed interest in partnering with the world’s largest skills competition.

The evening included the presentation of the WorldSkills flag back to the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau after its return from a deep-sea journey aboard China’s manned submersible Jiaolong. Ding Zhongjun, Deputy Director of the National Deep Sea Center, presented the flag and expressed his hope that Competitors from around the world will forge ahead in the vast “ocean of skills.”

Shanghai’s ‘Dream Ambassadors’

To promote the spirit of craftsmanship and foster a society that values skills, ten highly skilled talents were appointed as WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Dream Ambassadors. Selected for their extraordinary journeys in skilled careers, some Master Studios lead at the Shanghai or national level, while others have achieved remarkable breakthroughs and shone on the WorldSkills stage. Considered “shining stars of craftsmanship,” the ambassadors will take part in promotional activities in the lead-up to the Competition.

Under the theme Skills Create a Better Future, they aim to inspire young people to pursue skill-based careers and highlight the important role of skilled workers in improving communities and economies.

From 22 to 27 September 2026, Shanghai will be the meeting place for the world’s skills community, where east meets west, tradition meets innovation.

While over 1,400 young people from more than 60 countries and regions compete across 60 skill competitions, spectators will experience the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Expo – with career resources, educational activations, and Try-a-Skills – creating the world’s largest stage for advancing skilled careers, and the place to be inspired by how skills events can attract and activate the next generation.

Shanghai is a hub of innovation, making it the ideal location to spark new ideas and global partnerships in skills development.