Shanghai, China
Amid the WorldSkills Competition 2026 being held in Shanghai, India has taken a closer look at China’s skill development model. A delegation of Indian officials visited the Shanghai Industrial Technology School in the Xuhui District to study its approach to introducing children to vocational skills from the primary level.
China has topped the WorldSkills Competition medal tally for four consecutive editions, keeping global attention focused on its skill development system. One of the distinctive features of China’s approach is that vocational education is promoted alongside academic education from an early age.
At the school, young children are initially introduced to practical skills such as assembling clocks and making toys. Dedicated activities and laboratories have been established for this purpose. According to officials, vocational education in China is not viewed merely as an option for students who struggle academically.
India Participates in 63 Skill Categories
More than 40 countries are participating in the WorldSkills Competition being held in Shanghai. India has participated in 63 out of a total of 64 skill categories this year, with a delegation of 70 participants. The competition results will be announced on September 27.
Since the establishment of a separate Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in India in 2014, efforts to promote skill development have accelerated at various levels. However, experts believe that a change in social attitudes toward vocational education is also necessary.
After studying China’s model, Director General of the Directorate General of Training, Dileep Kumar, said that the mindset of viewing vocational skills merely as an alternative for academically weaker youth needs to change.
India also needs to develop modern laboratories and training institutions aligned with the requirements of industries. Efforts being undertaken through the PM-SETU scheme to revamp Industrial Training Institutes are expected to further strengthen skill training in the country in the coming years.
