With the 48th WorldSkills Competition set to begin in Shanghai on 22 September, international delegations are arriving from around the world, bringing months of preparation, high expectations, and excitement.

Among them is Sweden’s 22-member team, led by Pontus Slättman, CEO of WorldSkills Sweden. The team will compete in 21 skills.

“We’re very excited!” Slättman said, “We are looking forward to seeing Competitors from around the world come together in Shanghai.”

For 19-year-old Swedish florist My Trotzig, the Competition is the culmination of nearly a year and a half of hard work and preparation.

“I hope to learn new things and get inspired during the Competition,” she said. While a medal would certainly make her happy, she said the result is not her chief focus. “What matters more to me is being proud of my performance.”

Denmark’s 23-year-old Malthe Naundrup Nielsen has also arrived in Shanghai after 18 months of intensive training with his teammate for Industry 4.0, a skill focused mainly on automation.

Because the skill competition tasks can change, the pair have prepared by repeatedly practicing existing tasks while also trying out new ones. After winning a silver medal at EuroSkills, they now hope to bring home a medal from Shanghai as well.

For Nielsen, the trip is his first time to travel outside Europe. “I’m very excited to be here,” he said, hoping to see Shanghai’s rivers and waterfront views, as well as talk to local people and hear their recommendations for places to visit.

Mr. Slättman, who is making his second trip to Shanghai, has already shared some recommendations with his teammates, including the WorldSkills Museum and the Bund.

“Shanghai is a huge and impressive city,” he said. He has also been struck by the technology integrated into everyday life, from ride-hailing and dining to transportation.

As international delegations continue to arrive, the anticipation is building for the Competition. For those about to put their skills to the test, Shanghai is the place where months — and in some cases years — of preparation will finally have a chance to shine on the grand stage.