WorldSkills: Where talent meets excellence
WorldSkills is the world’s leading international movement for skills excellence. Often described as the “Olympics of skills”, the WorldSkills Competition brings together the most talented young professionals from across the globe to compete, learn, exchange, and demonstrate the value of vocational education and training.
The movement began in 1950, in post-war Europe, when Spain and Portugal organised the first international vocational skills competition in Madrid. At a time when Europe urgently needed qualified professionals to rebuild its economies, the idea was simple but powerful: give young people a stage to showcase their skills, promote vocational training, and inspire future generations. What started as a small competition between two countries has grown into a global network of countries and regions committed to raising the standards and visibility of technical and professional skills. Luxembourg joined WorldSkills in 1957.
Today, WorldSkills represents much more than a competition. It is a platform for education, industry, and governments to work together, exchange best practices, and prepare young people for the changing world of work. Through national, European, and international competitions, WorldSkills promotes excellence, innovation, precision, creativity, and professional pride across a wide range of skills — from construction and manufacturing to digital technologies, hospitality, social services, and creative trades.
For young competitors, taking part in WorldSkills is a unique opportunity to challenge themselves against the best in the world, develop their technical and personal skills, and become ambassadors for their profession. For the wider public, WorldSkills helps show that vocational careers are dynamic, future-oriented, and essential to society.
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
The next WorldSkills Competition will take place in Shanghai, China, from 22 to 27 September 2026. It will be the 48th edition of the WorldSkills Competition and will bring together the global skills community for several days of competition, exchange, and inspiration. The official programme includes the Opening Ceremony on 22 September, the competition from 23 to 26 September, and the Closing Ceremony on 27 September.
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 will be hosted at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. The event is expected to welcome more than 1,400 young competitors from around the world, competing across 64 skill competitions. Alongside the competition, the event will also include the WorldSkills Expo and the WorldSkills Conference 2026, creating an international meeting point for young talent, educators, companies, experts, and decision-makers.
Shanghai will offer competitors and visitors a global stage where tradition meets innovation. Under the spotlight of this major international event, young professionals will demonstrate not only technical precision and excellence, but also creativity, resilience, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Team Luxembourg ënnerwee op Shanghai
Team Luxembourg will represent the Grand Duchy at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. The team brings together young professionals who have shown exceptional talent, motivation, and commitment in their respective skills. Their journey to Shanghai is not only about competing internationally, but also about representing the quality of Luxembourg’s vocational education and training system.
In the months leading up to the competition, the members of Team Luxembourg will prepare intensively with their experts, trainers, schools, employers, and partners. This preparation includes technical training, international exchanges, mental coaching, and competition simulations. Every competitor will work to reach the highest possible level in their skill and to be ready to perform on the world stage.
By taking part in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, Team Luxembourg will become ambassadors for skilled professions in Luxembourg. Their participation helps inspire young people to discover vocational careers, highlights the importance of hands-on expertise, and shows that skills are a key driver of innovation, quality, and economic development.
WorldSkills is a celebration of talent, ambition, and excellence. For Luxembourg, Shanghai 2026 will be an opportunity to support its young professionals, showcase national know-how, and proudly stand alongside the best skilled talents in the world.
