Former WorldSkills competitors returned to the global skills stage in Shanghai as Dream Ambassadors for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, taking part in interviews and exchange activities. Five ambassadors shared how their WorldSkills experiences influenced their professional journeys and how they now support a new generation of skilled professionals.

Those interviewed included WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Dream Ambassadors Wu Jiani, Kang Bangcheng, and Xie Huixuan, as well as WorldSkills Global Dream Ambassadors Rachel Crawford of Australia and Leyla Valiyeva of Azerbaijan.

Wu, an airline purser and head of a skills master studio in Shanghai, received a Medallion for Excellence in Restaurant Service at the 45th WorldSkills Competition in 2019, achieving what was then China's best result in that skill.

Her WorldSkills experience gave her a clearer sense of direction and demonstrated that she can continuously improve her skills and aim for the highest standards of service.

Discussing why professional skills remain important in the age of artificial intelligence, Wu said service should have warmth. "It is found in the details and in craftsmanship. That warmth cannot simply be replicated through standardized processes — it is the soul of service," she said.

Crawford, an Australian pastry chef, received a Medallion for Excellence in Bakery at the WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition. "WorldSkills has changed my career in so many ways," she said, adding that the experience helped her refine her craft and grow personally and professionally.

Kang, now a vocational high school teacher in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, developed an early interest in cooking and chose vocational education at age 16 rather than follow a conventional academic high school path. He won gold in Cooking at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France, becoming China's first gold medalist in the skill.

Kang said WorldSkills competitors' achievements had helped more families recognize the possibilities offered by vocational education. He had also seen more students choose vocational programs out of genuine interest and receive support from their parents.

"If you have a clear passion, pursue it," he said. "It's a wonderful feeling to spend your student years doing what you truly love every day."

Xie, a vocational college teacher in Shanghai who served on the Chinese team's Industry 4.0 coaching staff at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, followed a similar route. His early interest in computer games developed into expertise in industrial digital technology. Together with teammate Lu Junwei, he won gold in Industry 4.0 at the 47th WorldSkills Competition.

The pair also received the Albert Vidal Award for earning the highest score across all skills at the competition. Xie has since helped compile teaching materials and train students, hoping his experience shows them that developing professional skills can open doors to broader opportunities.

Looking ahead, he said young professionals should not resist AI development. Instead, they should learn to work with AI and use it to strengthen their own capabilities.

Valiyeva, an Azerbaijani chef, received a Medallion for Excellence in Cooking at the WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition. She was the first competitor from her country to enter the skill at a WorldSkills Competition.

She said WorldSkills had also helped her build a strong international network in her field, benefiting her career. Its emphasis on precision, quality, and time management had also shaped her approach to work.

Valiyeva particularly encouraged young women to pursue skilled careers, even if they initially lacked support. "One thought I came back with is, 'I can do it,'" she said. "More young people, especially young girls, should know that they can do it."