WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is giving competitors an opportunity to further polish their skills through interaction with people from other countries and regions, while gaining a deeper understanding of industry techniques and standards, competitors said at an off-site cultural exchange activity held on Sept 22.

The activity was held at Shanghai Caoyang Vocational School to help the French team better understand Chinese traditional culture.

Rayan Bouyaiche, a competitor in cybersecurity skills with the French team, said that mastering a skill can provide a goal and "a direction in life".

Bouyaiche said he began learning cybersecurity in high school. To qualify for this year's competition, he went through a regional qualification, followed by a national-level competition and a final selection involving the top three competitors.

Acknowledging that artificial intelligence will bring significant changes to cybersecurity, Bouyaiche said the technology can help people work faster and accomplish more tasks. At WorldSkills Shanghai, competitors are already discussing the possibility of incorporating AI into their fields and using the emerging technology to go further and achieve new things, he said.

Arthur Baudry, also from the French team, will compete in heavy vehicle technology, which involves repairing machinery such as excavators and wheel loaders, diagnosing faults, and repairing engines. After about a year of preparation, he has trained in different companies to gain more hands-on experience.

Manon Pouivet will compete in fashion technology, where she will make three garments. Her proficiency in sketching and draping will also be tested during the competition.

Calling the WorldSkills Competition "a big opportunity", Pouivet said the experience will help to shape her future career and allow her to visit China for the very first time.

Rachel Crawford, a WorldSkills Champions Trust representative, competed in bakery at the WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition in Switzerland.

The experience not only helped her professionally but also boosted her confidence by having her speak to large audiences at various events.

"Skills are what keep the world running. The more young people who enter the skilled sector and approach their day-to-day life with passion, the more fulfilled and happier they will be," she said.

Source: China Daily