The WorldSkills Museum, which is being built in Shanghai, will tell the story of how skills and WorldSkills have changed the lives of people and societies around the world - and how they continue to drive progress in the 21st century.

The museum will include six main exhibition zones where visitors from around the world can enjoy interactive events and installations featuring augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality and other technologies.

The first zone will demonstrate how tools are the foundation of human progress. The second zone will provide an introduction to the WorldSkills movement including its origins in Spain, the first international competition in 1953, and its influence around the world.

The third zone section will show visitors how China has been pursuing the development of skills throughout its history. Visitors may also be able to see how vocational education and training can provide a better life for people in China.

The fourth will guide visitors to develop a better understanding about how skills can build a better world. For example, it will show how skilled workers and industrial partners have cooperated in solving challenges in modern society.

The fifth section will show the close connection between skills and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). It aims to attract young people to participate in learning skills.

The sixth section will focus on skills and the Industrial Revolution. Visitors will see how skills have been driving the stages of the Industrial Revolution over the last three centuries.

There will also be other areas for temporary exhibitions, a children’s gallery, a café and multiple-functional rooms.

WorldSkills continues to collect objects and stories from around the world. It is looking for items that show the role of skills in human life and that demonstrate the work of the WorldSkills organization, as well as tools and equipment linked to all industries. The collection is expected to contribute to the understanding of societies, people, events and activities related to WorldSkills. Medals, pins, photographs, videos, test project outcomes, historic documents, equipment and tools linked to skills are wanted. Information about personal experiences in the regional, national or international competitions from 1950 to the present day are also welcome.

Anyone with items, stories or other information can email the museum at  nuria.portland@worldskills.org.