On the third day of WorldSkills Conference 2026, delegates are being invited to take part in one of four simultaneous tours across Shanghai. Guests will visit world-class training bases and see first-hand how industry in China is investing in the next generation of skilled workers.

These field trips are a first for WorldSkills. They have been designed to give delegates unprecedented access to best-in-class skills training. During the 60-minute tours, they will visit the facilities, see the equipment and infrastructure, and have an opportunity to talk to the people who designed and now deliver the training.

After two days of discussion and knowledge sharing at WorldSkills Conference 2026 about the future of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), delegates will then bring those ideas to life by connecting them to real-world examples of skills development.

Delegates will be able to choose from four destinations, each of which reflects a different sector or area of China’s dynamic industrial growth:

Route A: Those interested in the automotive industry can visit the research and development centre at SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle Company Anting Base, one of China’s largest automotive manufacturers and training providers. Guests will have a chance to see how skills support the entire production process, from preliminary design to final assembly.

Route B: Delegates can choose to visit China Eastern Airlines Technology Research and Development Centre that showcases how one of the world’s major airlines is developing its technical workforce. It will offer insights into aviation training environments, flight simulation, cabin service, and aircraft maintenance.

Route C: This tour will visit Shanghai Shentong Metro Group Longyang Training base. Visitors will try out train simulation operations and learn about the skills development and drills that support the world’s second longest metro system.

Route D: The fourth tour will take place at Shanghai Nanhu Vocational and Technical College. Delegates will be able to take part in training scenarios in digital and 5G AI, and see how students are developing skills in smart healthcare, cruise service, and automotive technology. 

At the end of the field trips, all the Conference delegates will meet back together at the WorldSkills Museum for free exploration of the world’s only exhibition space dedicated to skills. This will be followed by a reception and a final networking opportunity.

David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, welcomes the addition to the programme and urges delegates to take up the opportunity. He says, “These field trips are an important addition to WorldSkills Conference 2026 as they bring our delegates even closer to skills innovation in the real world. These tours will equip our guests with new insights that they can take home and apply to their own skills systems.”

The field trips are one of several new elements introduced to this year’s Conference . Organizers have extended the programme to three days, have added more networking forums, and have launched Skills CoLab, a dynamic marketplace where delegates can showcase their work, share best practice, and attract potential collaborators and funders. 

Find out more about WorldSkills Conference 2026 and register your place.

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