The Skills Competition acts as a stage to advocate for the significance of skills, inspiring young individuals to engage in vocational training and education. By showcasing their talents in competitions, participants capture the attention and interest of the public. The competitions also provide an opportunity to assess the outcomes of our vocational training and education, leading to improvements in technical proficiency. As our nation continues to advance in technology-driven and service industries, there is a pressing need for a skilled workforce. Therefore, it is crucial to promote technical and vocational education, expand the scope of skills assessments, and comprehensively bolster the reach and impact of skills competitions, aiming to attract the younger generation to participate in vocational training, empowering them to become the cornerstone of our country's economic and social development. 

About the National Skills Competition

Taiwan has held the National Skills Competition annually since its inaugural edition in 1968. Each year, government agencies, schools, corporate affiliates, organizations, companies, and vocational training institutions actively nominate competitors to take part. The competition stands as the hallmark annual event in vocational training and technical and vocational education.

In addition, the National Skills Competition plays a crucial role in selecting outstanding competitors to represent Taiwan in the WorldSkills Competition and the WorldSkills Asia Competition. To align with international standards, the age limit for competitors in the official skills is under 21 (with the exception of 10 skills: ICT Network Infrastructure, Manufacturing Team Challenge, Mechatronics, Aircraft Maintenance, Industry 4.0, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Industrial Design Technology, Digital Construction (BIM), and Robot Systems Integration, where the age limit is under 24).

The junior skills primarily target students currently enrolled in junior high schools (subject to the competition guidelines of each year in accordance with WorldSkills International requirements), ensuring full compliance with the regulations set by WorldSkills International and WorldSkills Asia.

To meet the demand for skilled talents driven by rapid economic development, the number of competition skills has grown from the initial 14 to 56 official skills and 13 junior skills, as detailed below:

1.          Official Skills (56 skills in total): Industrial Mechanics, ICT Network Infrastructure, Manufacturing Team Challenge, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering CAD, CNC Turning, CNC Milling, Mobile Applications Development, Software Applications Development, Welding, Wall and Floor Tiling, Autobody Repair, Aircraft Maintenance, Plumbing and Heating, Electronics, Web Technologies, Electrical Installations, Industrial Control, Bricklaying, Plastering and Drywall Systems, Painting and Decorating, Autonomous Mobile Robotics, Cabinetmaking, Joinery, Jewellery, Floristry, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Fashion Technology, Pâtisserie and Confectionery, Automobile Technology, Cooking, Restaurant Service, Car Painting, Landscape Gardening, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, IT Network Systems Administration, Graphic Design Technology, Health and Social Care, Construction Metal Work, Plastic Die Engineering, Visual Merchandising, Prototype Modelling, Bakery, Industry 4.0, 3D Digital Game Art, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Hotel Reception, Digital Construction (BIM), Industrial Design Technology, Robot Systems Integration, Traditional Chinese Cooking, Traditional Chinese Costume, Sheet Metal Technology, and Foundry & Casting.

2.      Junior Skills (13 skills in total): Mechanical Engineering CAD, Software Applications Development for Junior, Electronics for Junior, Web Technologies for Junior, Electrical Installations for Junior, Industrial Control for Junior, Painting and Decorating for Junior, Autonomous Mobile Robotics for Junior, Floristry for Junior, Hairdressing for Junior, Restaurant Service for Junior, Graphic Design Technology for Junior, and 3D Digital Game Art for Junior.

Non-WSI Official Skills (8 skills in total): Traditional Chinese Cooking, Traditional Chinese Costume, Sheet Metal Technology, Foundry & Casting, Manufacturing Team Challenge, Construction Metal Work, Plastic Die Engineering, and Prototype Modelling.

Competitors who rank in the top 5 of the official skills at the National Skills Competition will be awarded prize money, medals, and certificates. Furthermore, in accordance with the Articles Regarding Screening and Review and Recommendation Admission Regulations for Technically and Artistically Talented Students at Secondary Schools and Above , these winners are eligible for Admission via Screening and Review or Admission via Recommendation to vocational high schools, five-year or two-year junior colleges, four-year colleges of technology, or university departments in related fields. This pathway is designed to cultivate backbone skilled talent who possess both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.

Under the Regulations on Technician Skills Certification and Issuance of Certificates , competitors joining the official skills and achieving a passing score in the National Skills Competition may benefit from preferential treatment. Within three years of the passing date, they may apply for an exemption from the practical test when taking Class B, Class C, or Single Level technician certification in related skills.