Competition Preparation Week sets the stage for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

With a clear goal to coordinate logistics and move planning forward across 64 skill competitions, Competition Preparation Week (CPW) brought together over 400 delegates from more than 70 countries and regions to advance the operational framework for the event. Delegates — including Skill Competition Managers, Workshop Managers, Skill Advisors, Members, Event Sponsors, and Global Partners — joined the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau and WorldSkills International for an intense week of collaborative meetings.

“We can all feel that the momentum for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is growing very quickly. This week, we experienced impressive Chinese hospitality from WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS), WorldSkills China, and the city of Shanghai,” said Francis Hourant, WorldSkills President.

Referring to the remaining work and milestones that will need to be completed over the next eight months before the event, Mr Hourant stated, “We accomplished a lot. But we know that the entire WorldSkills community will continue to invest their time and expertise to ensure that when the eyes of the world are on us in September, WorldSkills will be ready.”

Key achievements during CPW included the advancement of Infrastructure Lists across all skill competitions. Workshop layouts were developed, incorporating specific technical and safety requirements. Teams confirmed workforce needs, reviewed Skill Management Plans, advanced Test Project development, and prepared Standards and Assessment Guides for the next phase of Expert consultation.

Beyond technical preparations, CPW included a Sponsors Forum and Marketing and Communications meeting to align partners and Members on engagement opportunities.

The Sponsors Forum briefed Global Partners and Event Sponsors on competition logistics, venue details, and marketing resources, recognizing the valued contributions Global Partners make to the WorldSkills movement. Presentations detailed information on the WorldSkills Expo space at the event venue, showcasing collaboration opportunities to engage young people and national audiences. The meetings offered a space to network and coordinate technical aspects with both WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 and WorldSkills International.

In parallel, the Marketing and Communications meeting shared the communications strategy and marketing resources available to support Members, Global Partners, and Event Sponsors, outlining how they utilize WorldSkills to attract more young people to develop personal skills excellence.

On 4 February, over 20 representatives from international consulates in Shanghai joined WorldSkills Members for the launch of the One School One Member cultural exchange programme. They attended a Consular Engagement event to learn about the Ministerial programme at WorldSkills Conference 2026 and build connections between WorldSkills Members and their diplomatic representatives in China.

The day concluded with two site visits that helped ground technical work and imagine what WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 will look like. Delegates toured the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) Shanghai, the world’s largest convention centre and venue for the event next September.

They then explored the WorldSkills Museum, which officially opened on 6 November 2023 as part of Shanghai’s legacy in hosting the WorldSkills Competition. Delegates were joined by local guests to discover the different collections, temporary exhibitions, and stands – experiencing interactive games, meeting a humanoid robot, or tying Chinese knots.

The Skills Management meeting on 5 February wrapped up Competition Preparation Week 2026, highlighting the outcomes and achievements of the week.

The 48th WorldSkills Competition will be held in Shanghai, China, from 22 to 27 September 2026 in the world’s largest event centre, National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) Shanghai. The event will feature 1,400 Competitors from 70 countries and regions, 64 skill competitions, WorldSkills Expo, and WorldSkills Conference 2026.