The 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai showcases skills that shape modern industry and daily life. Each skill reflects the changing nature of work and the evolving demands of employers worldwide. From heavy machinery to digital systems and human-centered care, five areas stand out.

Industrial strength

Hall 3H hosts Industry 4.0, Industrial Mechanics, Rail Vehicle Technology, and Renewable Energy, highlighting advanced manufacturing and infrastructure. Industry 4.0 is a team event that pairs an automation engineer with a network engineer. Industrial Mechanics tests machining, welding, maintenance, and assembly to exacting tolerances, with applications across industries in aerospace, defense and electronics. Rail Vehicle Technology, new to the Competition, requires precision work, fault diagnosis, and physical endurance, with Competitors from nine countries and regions taking part.

Heavy equipment

Hall 5.1 hosts Car Painting, Heavy Vehicle Maintenance, and Unmanned Aerial Systems, involving large machinery and fine judgment. Car Painting requires Competitors to perform sanding, filler work, primer application, color matching, and polishing to original manufacturer standards. Heavy Vehicle Maintenance features machines weighing from six to over 10 metric tons. Unmanned Aerial Systems, another new skill, challenges Competitors to dismantle and rebuild an unmanned aerial vehicle, solder hardware, tune flight controls, program autonomous flight, repair and remanufacture, and integrate sensors and intelligent algorithms.

Digital brainpower

Hall 4.1H hosts 3D Digital Game Art, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, and Software Testing, showing how brainpower drives the modern economy. 3D Digital Game Art blends technical precision with artistic vision. Cloud Computing assesses public cloud architecture, deployment, infrastructure, operations, and security. Cyber Security is a two-person event covering defense, simulated attacks and emergency response. Software Testing ensures applications run reliably and securely.

Traditional crafts

Halls 1.1H and 2.1H host Bricklaying, Landscape Gardening, and Painting and Decorating, which reward accuracy and planning. Bricklaying requires reading drawings, cutting bricks, measuring, pointing, and finishing. Painting and Decorating tests interior and exterior decoration and protection against water and pests. Organizers said that traditional techniques remain vital for heritage restoration and the preservation of distinctive architecture.

People-centered care

Hall 6.1H features Fashion Technology, Floristry, and Health and Social Care, with a focus on human needs. Fashion Technology demands precise fitting and sewing. Floristry comprises 10 modules, some involving surprise boxes, and requires both artistic sense and market-ready service skills. Health and Social Care uses simulated patients and seniors to assess operational precision, empathy, communication, and the ability to build trust.