WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai introduces seven new technology-driven categories

The 48th WorldSkills Competition is currently being held in Shanghai, featuring a record 64 competition items across six major fields: manufacturing, transport, construction, information, creativity, and services.

To reflect rapid industrial shifts and technological advancements, the competition has introduced seven new categories: Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Software Testing, Digital Interactive Media Design, Rail Vehicle Technology, Smart Security Technology, Oral Prosthesis Technology, and Retail. These additions align with global trends in the digital economy, smart manufacturing, and the low-altitude economy, emphasizing the need for workers with composite skills in areas like AI, robotics, and digital integration.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended the opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of forward-looking layouts for high-skilled talent cultivation amidst the new technological revolution. The competition serves as a benchmark for industry standards, aiming to bridge the gap between vocational training and real-world market demands, particularly in emerging sectors where talent shortages are increasingly prevalent.