Optoelectronic Technology

WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS)

Occupation description and WSOS

The name of the skill competition is

Description of the associated work role(s) or occupation(s)

Optoelectronics is a branch of Photonics (the physical science of light). Optoelectronics combines the physics of light with electricity. Optoelectronic technology covers the design, manufacture and manipulation of hardware that converts electrical signals into photon signals and vice versa. Any device that does this can be referred to as optoelectronic.

Optoelectronics is a broad and fast developing field, defined by its:

Products: for example, lighting, display, for communication and information, sensors, photovoltaic systems, and lasers
Applications: such as research, automation, medical treatment, engineering, construction, security, advanced manufacture, detection, and measurement.
Occupations: roles spanning design and integration, installation and commissioning, maintenance and optimization, quality assurance, technical support, and related functions across varied levels of complexity and responsibility.

This WSOS focuses on the occupational requirements of an optoelectronic (engineering) technician or associate professional. These personnel must work with accuracy and precision, meet detailed specifications and international quality standards, and have a wide range of technical capabilities. With growing emphasis on energy efficiency, intelligent systems, and digital integration, optoelectronic technicians must proactively maintain up-to-date skills and knowledge that meet current industry standards and expectations.

Optoelectronic technicians work directly and indirectly with and for customers, so must communicate with them, and serve them well. They must explain complex optoelectronics straightforwardly and help clients to use systems and products correctly. The nature of their work requires respect for confidentiality, together with integrity, honesty, and a strong sense of professional ethics.

In their scope of work, optoelectronic technicians may be involved in one, two, or all three stages of production, maintenance, and development, depending on the sector, size, and position of the employing organization, in the market or a supply chain.

Design, development, and manufacture: contributing in leading or supporting roles to create new devices or systems; working across optical, electrical/electronic, magnetic, and mechanical domains; using relevant software tools (e.g. lighting design software such as DIALux evo, industry-identical simulation platforms for LED programming and playback, Arduino-based smart lighting applications, and simplified configuration tools for opto sensors/cameras).
Installation, commissioning, and maintenance: installing, configuring, testing, and servicing optoelectronic systems whose performance and quality can be affected by factors such as humidity, vibration, electromagnetic fields, and grounding; carrying out ongoing maintenance, repair, documentation, and continuous improvement.
Quality control, testing, optimization, and reporting: conducting measurements and analysis; troubleshooting and fault-finding; optimizing performance, energy use, and thermal management; producing reports and training materials. As environmental considerations grow and technologies evolve, this dimension of the role continues to increase in importance.

Employment opportunities for optoelectronic technicians are extensive - as freelancers or entrepreneurs, and within product agencies, engineering companies, manufacturers, integrators, and service providers. This is a rapidly expanding field in which outstanding technicians can develop broad or deep expertise and progress quickly as demand for optoelectronics grows globally.

The WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS)

General notes on the WSOS

The WSOS specifies the knowledge, understanding, skills, and capabilities that underpin international best practice in technical and vocational performance. These are both specific to an occupational role and also transversal. Together they should reflect a shared global understanding of what the associated work role(s) or occupation(s) represent for industry and business (www.worldskills.org/WSOS).

The skill competition is intended to reflect international best practice as described by the WSOS, to the extent that it can. The Standard is therefore a guide to the required training and preparation for the skill competition.

In the skill competition the assessment of knowledge and understanding will take place through the assessment of performance. There will only be separate tests of knowledge and understanding where there is an overwhelming reason for these.

The Standard is divided into distinct sections with headings and reference numbers added.

Each section is assigned a percentage of the total marks to indicate its relative importance within the Standards. This is often referred to as the “weighting”. The sum of all the percentage marks is 100. The weightings determine the distribution of marks within the Marking Scheme.

Through the Test Project, the Marking Scheme will assess only those skills and capabilities that are set out in the WorldSkills Occupational Standards. They will reflect the Standards as comprehensively as possible within the constraints of the skill competition.

The Marking Scheme will follow the allocation of marks within the Standards to the extent practically possible. A variation of up to five percent is allowed, if this does not distort the weightings assigned by the Standards.

WorldSkills Occupational Standards

Section		Relative importance (%)
1	Work organization and management	10
	The individual needs to know and understand: Health and safety legislation, obligations, and documentation The principles of working safely with electricity, electronics, and lasers The situations when personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used The purposes, uses, care, maintenance, and storage of all tools and equipment together with their safety implications The purposes, uses, care, and storage of materials The importance of keeping a clean and tidy work area Sustainability measures applying to the use of ‘green’ materials and recycling The ways in which working practices can minimize wastage and help to manage costs whilst maintaining quality The principles of workflow and measurement The significance of planning, accuracy, checking, and attention to detail in all working practices The impact of new technology
	The individual shall be able to: Apply and follow Health, Safety, and Environmental standards, rules, and regulations Diligently follow electrical safety procedures Identify and use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety footwear, ear, and eye protection Select, use, clean, maintain, and store all tools and equipment safely Select, use, and store all materials safely Identify and take particular care of expensive or vulnerable fixtures/fittings Plan the work area to maximize efficiency and maintain the discipline of regular tidying Measure accurately Manage time effectively Work efficiently and check progress and outcomes regularly Establish and consistently maintain high quality standards and working processes
2	Communication and interpersonal skills	5
	The individual needs to know and understand: The significance of establishing and maintaining customer confidence and trust The importance of maintaining and keeping one’s knowledge base up-to-date The roles and requirements of related trades The value of building and maintaining productive working relationships Principles and techniques of effective teamwork The importance of swiftly resolving misunderstandings and conflicting demands
	The individual shall be able to: Interpret customer requirements and manage customer expectations Provide advice and guidance on products/solutions, such as technological advancements Create training materials according to the construction of each system, and implement training Create training content and related materials for optoelectronic applications Visualize and translate customer wishes, making recommendations which meet/improve their design and budgetary requirements Question customers closely/deeply to fully understand requirements Provide clear instructions Introduce related trades to support customer requirements Produce written reports for customers and organizations Produce cost and time estimates for customers Recognize and adapt to the changing needs of related trades Work effectively as a member of teams
3	Design and manufacturing of optoelectronic applications	20
	The individual needs to know and understand: Principles of optics, electrical and mechanical theory The various optoelectronic specialisms within specific industries Commonly used and International industry standard symbols The photovoltaic effect The application environment of optoelectronics Design schemes of optoelectronic applications The characteristics and operating principles of various optoelectronic applications (such as photovoltaic products, LED luminaires, optoelectronic transmission equipment, optoelectronic display equipment, sensors, industrial opto sensors/cameras for inspection, and laser systems) The characteristics of appropriate control equipment, photovoltaic power generation equipment, sensors, laser systems, optoelectronic application terminals, controls, or control platforms, for integrated applications The possibilities to test parameters of optical and electronic components or optoelectronic products How to select optical and electronic components The drive and heat dissipation and configuration of optoelectronic applications. The manufacturing specification for optoelectronic products How to utilize optoelectronic-related software (e.g. lighting design software such as DIALux, industry-identical simulation platforms for LED programming/playback, Arduino-based smart lighting control apps, and simplified configuration tools for opto sensors/cameras) to assist their work
	The individual shall be able to: Analyse the important parameters and functional requirements of the application environment Design optoelectronic application schemes Manufacture simple applications according to the schemes. Inspect the manufacturing and quality of optoelectronic applications Complete the production and quality inspection of optical and electronic components with high efficiency and high quality Test and select correct specifications for various optoelectronic applications (such as photovoltaic products, LED luminaires, optoelectronic transmission equipment, optoelectronic display equipment, sensors, and laser systems) Select appropriate control equipment, photovoltaic power generation equipment, sensors, laser systems, optoelectronic application terminals, controls, or control platforms, for integrated applications to achieve energy-saving and efficient goals Analyse the application environment of optoelectronic application products Select and optimize manufacturing schemes for optoelectronic application terminals Select and optimize energy-saving and light efficiency design schemes Select application models of optical and electronic components Test the function and performance parameters of optical and electronic components or optoelectronic products Configure the drive and heat dissipation modules of optoelectronic application products Test the function and performance of optoelectronic application products Apply industry-aligned software tools to simulate, programme, and validate lighting and sensor-based applications
4	Installation and implementation of optoelectronic applications	35
	The individual needs to know and understand: Basic principles of optics, electronics, and mechanics Basic principles and techniques for optoelectronic applications Working principles of lighting devices and image displays. The application environment for optoelectronic applications Engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, technical manuals, and engineering instructions The composition of optoelectronic applications The requirements of optoelectronic applications How to analyze requirements of optoelectronic applications How to select optoelectronic application schemes How to select appropriate electronic common tools and optoelectronic specific instruments or tools to complete their work The principles of smart lighting and intelligent optoelectronic systems using Arduino-based control platforms Basic principles of installing and configuring opto sensors/cameras for automation and quality inspection tasks
	The individual shall be able to: Read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, technical manuals, and engineering instructions Analyze customer requirements for optoelectronic system applications Select appropriate optical and electronic components’ efficiency design schemes according to applications’ needs Analyze their functions and key characteristic parameter requirements Select appropriate optical and electronic components according to the characteristics of the optoelectronic applications Test relevant parameters according to the characteristics of each optoelectronic application Test the characteristics of various sensors, laser systems and other control devices Select suitable optoelectronic applications scheme according to demand analysis Select and configure the correct drive and heat dissipation modules according to the optoelectronic applications terminal structure and power parameters, and deal with their processing technology Provide system structure drawings, construction drawings, and related materials Put equipment, components, devices, upgrades, or refurbished equipment into use Use a variety of optoelectronic display devices, and optoelectronic transmission equipment, such as LED panels, screens, sensors and photovoltaic power generation equipment Select flexibly energy-saving control methods Select and test the characteristics of optoelectronic application equipment Select, test, and use the optoelectronic application system control platform Test the characteristics of various sensors and other control devices Install and perform basic configuration of opto sensors/cameras, including connection, alignment, and computer-based setup Install and debug the optoelectronic application system Programme or configure Arduino-based smart lighting control systems Start the operation of the application and maintain its normal operation Basic programming or configuring of image display devices. Complete system installation and debugging according to construction drawings, and provide corresponding test reports Use electronic common tools and optoelectronic specific instruments or tools, such as electric soldering irons, digital multi-meters, and chroma meters Design visually appealing light shows, colour changing patterns and schemes in different environments and application scenarios
5	Maintenance of optoelectronic applications	15
	The individual needs to know and understand: Construction drawings and technical data of optoelectronic applications The relevant industry standards of maintenance The use of optoelectronic industrial materials and tools for general maintenance, installation, and maintenance tasks Construction drawings for optoelectronic applications Fault detection methods for optoelectronic application systems Common faults in optoelectronic application systems Optoelectronic application systems maintenance and functional testing
	The individual shall be able to: Read and interpret the drawings and documents for optoelectronic application systems Analyze the working principles of the optoelectronic applications, the transmission process of the signals, and the characteristic parameters of each link Analyze the causes of each fault, decide on a fault detection scheme, and make detections according to the fault phenomena Diagnose and replace faulty equipment and lines in optoelectronic applications Replace optoelectronic parts, components and cables Use standard optoelectronic testing tools, instruments, and maintenance tools Maintain each module of optoelectronic application systems Modify control platform parameters Debug and optimize optoelectronic application systems Test optoelectronic applications after maintenance operations Apply diagnostic methods to identify errors in sensor/camera configurations and smart lighting control systems
6	Optimization of optoelectronic applications	15
	The individual needs to know and understand: How to achieve maximum energy saving under the applicable demand parameters Optoelectronic products/devices that are not sustainable or environment-friendly. The benefits of optimizing optoelectronic application schemes The principle of optimizing driving and heat dissipation of optoelectronic products Light specifications or parameters that are harmful to people’s health How to optimize the design of optoelectronic products/devices The principle of light efficiency design for optical and electronic components of optoelectronic products Energy consumption management of optoelectronic application systems Control principles of optoelectronic application systems How to use relevant software to assist the optimization operation
	The individual shall be able to: Make appropriate optimizations based on existing traditional/legacy optoelectronic systems Make proper adjustment or optimization on existing optoelectronic applications that are harmful to people’s health (e.g. human eyes) Select and implement each optimization scheme of optoelectronic systems Achieve energy saving within various requirements and parameters Optimize the heat dissipation performance of optoelectronic products Design the structures of optoelectronic products Optimize the driving circuits of optoelectronic products Improve the user experience of optoelectronic products Design light efficiency schemes relating to optical and electronic components Improve the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic systems Reduce the energy consumption of optoelectronic application systems Design energy saving strategies for optoelectronic application systems Upgrade existing traditional lighting systems to intelligent lighting systems Optimize energy use and control strategies for intelligent lighting and sensor-based applications Use related software to simulate different application scenes and optimize optical and electronic components’ configuration Optimize the application or system according to the optimized design drawings, and make them work normally and efficiently
	Total	100

References for industry consultation

General notes

WorldSkills is committed to ensuring that the WorldSkills Occupational Standards fully reflect the dynamism of internationally recognized best practice in industry and business. To do this WorldSkills approaches a number of organizations across the world that can offer feedback on the draft Description of the Associated Role and WorldSkills Occupational Standards on a two-yearly cycle.

In parallel to this, WSI consults three international occupational classifications and databases:

ISCO-08: (http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/stat/isco/isco08/)
ESCO: (https://ec.europa.eu/esco/portal/home )
O*NET OnLine (www.onetonline.org/)

References

This WSOS appears most closely to relate to an Optoelectronics Engineering Technician: ESCO: https://esco.ec.europa.eu/en/classification/occupation?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fdata.europa.eu%2Fesco%2Foccupation%2Fdcfeb6e4-f39d-49fb-96cd-23292fb3e037

and a Photonics Technician: O*Net:
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-3029.08

These links can also be used to search adjacent occupations.

ILO 3114

The following table indicates which organizations were approached and provided valuable feedback for the Description of the Associated Role and WorldSkills Occupational Standards in place for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Organization	Contact name
Guangdong VCOM Education Technology Co., Ltd.	Cathy (Yanfeng) Wang, Chief Executive Officer