In September 2024, Shanghai, China, took over the WorldSkills flag at the closing ceremony of the 47th WorldSkills Competition held in Lyon, France. This act signifies that the WorldSkills Competition has officially entered China’s time and Shanghai’s moment. Shanghai is now fully committed to the preparations for the Competition, embracing the role of a “City of Skills” and composing a prelude to the upcoming skills event in 2026.

As an international metropolis, Shanghai has realized a perfect integration of the open-mindedness that embraces all and the pursuit of excellence in craftsmanship. In the newly released official promotional video of Skills Relay Life, the camera pans across the WorldSkills Museum, engaging in a dialogue across time and space with the century-old architectural ensemble of the Bund. It finally settles on the invitation extended by Chinese skills competitors to the world: “Are you ready?” This is not only a confident declaration from China’s skilled talents but also an invitation to the global skilled youth from Shanghai.

Through three major narrative dimensions, the promotional video portrays the city gearing up for the WorldSkills Competition. In the chapter “A Vibrant City,” the rich aroma of coffee extracted by baristas connects the everyday moments of life in the streets and alleys. The modern hairstyles crafted by hairdressers reflect the city’s dynamic fashion pulse. Fashion designers blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary concepts, showcasing the unique charm of Eastern culture. Watchmakers meticulously refine intricate movements, embodying the centuries-old spirit of craftsmanship passed down through generations. As the video director stated, “Every frame captures the authentic skills ecosystem of Shanghai. Skills are more than just tools; they’re the vital pulse of the city’s lifeline.”

In the “Green City” chapter, horticulturists and biologists act as the guardians of urban ecology. By fortifying ecological defenses in cities, they convey the powerful message that environmental protection is not just a slogan but a way of life woven into the fabric of cities.

In the “A Growing City” chapter, young architects, through ongoing learning and practice, incorporate the latest architectural technologies into urban planning and development, creating new city skylines. At Yangshan Port’s unmanned terminal, logistics engineers apply their expertise to facilitate the seamless global distribution of goods, highlighting Shanghai’s role as a leading international shipping hub.

Across the whole city, momentum is growing for the WorldSkills Competition. Recently, the second Shanghai Vocational Skills Competition, themed “Skills Shape a Better Future,” opened at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai. The 99 events of this Competition are fully aligned with the Third National Vocational Skills Competition, which will be held in Henan, China, this year. The event serves both as a selection process for outstanding candidates for the national competition and as a talent pool for next year’s 48th WorldSkills Competition.

As it prepares for the WorldSkills Competition, Shanghai is actively cultivating a social environment that embraces, honors, and promotes skills. Skills are passed on through life, and they will continue to shape the future. As the promotional video ends, “Shanghai is ready!”

For more information about the Shanghai WorldSkills Competition, please follow the official website: https://worldskills2026.com/