48th WorldSkills Competition: One Year Mark Reached as Preparations Intensify
SHANGHAI, Sept. 26, 2025 — Shanghai officially launched the one-year countdown to the 48th WorldSkills Competition on September 22. A grand ceremony initiated the “final sprint” towards this global vocational skills showcase for top young talents, which is set to be held in Shanghai, China, from September 22 to 27, 2026.
In preparation for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, the Chinese State Council has formed a dedicated leading group and organizing committee. Concurrently, the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau has been established in Shanghai to manage specific operational duties. Presently, all organizational aspects of the competition are progressing efficiently and rapidly.
The forthcoming event in Shanghai is planned to include 64 skill events, comprising 57 conventional categories across six primary sectors. To align with emerging industries and evolving skill demands, new categories like rail vehicle technology and smart security technology are also slated for introduction, which could make this the most diverse WorldSkills Competition yet in terms of event offerings. Member participation packages for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 have been completed and are scheduled for disclosure at the WorldSkills General Assembly in Croatia on October 13, with online registration commencing on November 13.
The recruitment drive for volunteers for the 48th WorldSkills Competition has officially begun. These WorldSkills volunteers will offer their assistance at critical sites, including airports, high-speed railway stations, competition sites, and hotels, handling competition security, welcoming international guests, and providing event support for the duration of the competition.
Promotional efforts for the WorldSkills Competition are accelerating. On July 15, the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau announced that young Chinese actor Xiao Zhan was named a promotion ambassador for the event. Associated hashtags have garnered more than 500 million views, establishing this as the most extensive promotional campaign in WorldSkills Competition history and substantially boosting public recognition. In June, the WorldSkills flag was carried aboard China’s manned submersible “Jiaolong” on a deep-sea expedition, signifying the boundless potential of skills exploration. The promotional video for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, titled “Skill Venture”, has been launched. This video, seen through the eyes of young individuals, depicts interactions with diverse skills and highlights their inherent appeal.
As the foremost vocational skills competition globally, WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 has drawn numerous sponsors. The official sponsorship program is now active. Four national strategic sponsors—Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Bank of Communications, SAIC Motor, and BOSS Zhipin—have revealed their support strategies for the WorldSkills Competition, providing substantial impetus to this worldwide skills celebration.
To propagate the spirit of craftsmanship throughout society and cultivate an environment that values expertise, the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau has designated 10 highly-skilled Chinese individuals, including Zhuang Qiufeng, Ke Shuichang, and Xie Huixuan, as Dream Ambassadors, formally presenting them with appointment letters. The executive bureau states that these ambassadors will act as exemplary skills role models, advocating the principle that “Master Skills Change Your Future” at key promotional activities for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
In one year, top young skilled talents from across the globe will converge in Shanghai on this esteemed international platform, where rivalry inspires innovation and cooperation initiates fresh developments in the realm of skills.
Source: WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau
CONTACT: Contact person: Ms. Zou Tel: 86-10-63074558
