The recent 48th WorldSkills Competition, held in Shanghai and concluding on September 27, showcased the evolving landscape of vocational skills amid rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). The event introduced seven new skill categories, reflecting emerging industry demands and underscoring the continuing importance of human expertise alongside AI integration.
Qiu Mengying, a 25-year-old aircraft engineer and member of China’s aircraft maintenance training team, expressed confidence in the enduring necessity of her profession despite concerns about AI replacing human workers. She described AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement, emphasizing that the new skills added to the competition are complex and difficult to automate. These additions aim to provide young people with clearer career guidance aligned with future industrial developments.
The new skills introduced—unmanned aerial systems, digital interactive media design, rail vehicle technology, intelligent security technology, software testing, dental prosthetics, and retail sales—were selected to mirror the demands of evolving industries. Officials highlighted that these areas demonstrate the need for specialized, multidisciplinary skills that AI cannot fully replicate. Wu Liduo, director general of occupational capacity building at China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and secretary-general of the competition’s organizing committee secretariat, noted that the event serves as a bellwether for industry standards and employment trends.
Participants and experts pointed out that AI is increasingly functioning as a partner in workplaces rather than a substitute. Cai, an industry specialist, explained AI’s role in boosting efficiency, especially in software testing, where AI handles routine tasks, allowing engineers to focus on more complex problems. The competition itself integrated AI tools in training to assist contestants.
The addition of new skill areas also corresponds to broader economic and technological developments. For example, rail vehicle technology was included in response to the rapid growth of high-speed rail and urban transit in China alongside a shortage of skilled workers. Yang Danhao, coach of Shanghai Communications Polytechnic’s rail vehicle sector team, emphasized that adding this skill allowed global participants to engage with China’s leading expertise in the field, simultaneously enhancing the international reputation of the country’s rail brands.
Retail sales, recognized as the world’s second-largest employment sector, was introduced as a new skill to address the growing demand for multiskilled professionals amid digital transformation in retail. China’s retail market continues to expand, with consumer goods sales reaching 50.1 trillion yuan ($7.48 trillion) in 2025, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth. Shanghai’s development as an international consumption hub underscores this trend.
In addition to demonstrating occupational skills, the competition fosters professional growth and career development. Chen Yifan, a former China Eastern flight attendant who won an excellence award in restaurant service at the 44th WorldSkills Competition, cited the event’s role in refining expertise and raising service standards. Organizers believe that such recognition can motivate more young people to pursue skilled trades and enhance workforce quality.
Overall, the 48th WorldSkills Competition highlighted the coexistence of advanced technology and human skill, signaling that despite AI’s expanding role, human workers remain central in varied and increasingly sophisticated professions.