shanghai These days, the buzz of machines, the clatter of tools and the silence of young skilled workers are together writing a new story in the hall of the National Exhibition and Convention Centre. In the 48th WorldSkills Competition, 1,385 participants from 68 countries and territories are showing their strength in 64 skill events. But this time it is not just about the medal. The real question here is this. How will the value of skills be decided in the era of AI?
Seven new categories were added this year. Digital media such as interactive design, intelligent security technology, software testing and unmanned aerial systems. Events related to advanced manufacturing now account for about one-third. The criteria of judgment have also changed. Software configuration, operation and optimization decide 85% of the marks in Intelligent Security Technology; Hardware only 15%. The meaning is clear. Not just hand work, coordination with the machine is a big issue.
In DeWalt's survey of more than 500 participants, 83% of youth said AI and digital tools should be included in skills education. But 80% also said that nothing can replace hands-on training. That means they consider AI as a partner, not a boss.
In digital interactive media design, participants spend more than 20 hours in production. Even in visual effects created by AI, humans have to catch mistakes, give precise instructions for correction, and re-process the output. A professor said that a good designer can train AI like a 'doctoral student'. Judgment in retail sales is all about emotional value and the art of 'touching people', which AI cannot replace. Mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, PLC programming, data analysis and production scheduling, all in one, in Industry 4.0. This is 'one expertise, many capabilities'.
71 participants from China, average age just 21 years, entered in all 64 skills. There are 4.12 million skilled workers in Shanghai, including 1.51 million high-skill talents, or 36.8% of the total skilled workers. The city has taken a big step forward: high-skilled talents, including WorldSkills medalists, can now apply directly for permanent residence. This is a historic shift from degree-based assessment to skill-based assessment.
The message is clear at the closing ceremony on Sunday, September 27 at the Shanghai World Expo Cultural Centre. The future is not of man versus machine, but of man with machine. The task that is assigned will be done by AI; What is unspoken, uncertain and complex will be done by humans. Decisions, optimization, and systems-level thinking. For the 1,385 young professionals standing in Shanghai, this lesson may be bigger than any medal.