Competing at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 has sharpened the welding skills of Uganda’s competitor in the trade, Elizabeth Mirabel Mutoro, who says measuring herself against the world’s best exposed her to global industry standards.
Mutoro, a welding student at Arua Technical Institute, was one of three Ugandan competitors at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, held in Shanghai, China, from September 22 to 27, 2026.
“By competing in WorldSkills international competitions, I have learned different standards of welding, I have made friends from all around the world, and I have had the opportunity to benchmark my welding skills against international standards,” Mutoro said.
That benchmarking matters because WorldSkills assesses competitors on real-world tasks against international quality benchmarks, with the contest widely described as the Olympics of the skilled trades.
The Competition was held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, alongside a skills expo and a conference on skills development.
Mutoro pushed back on a stereotypes that still shape who pursues technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
“Te
chnical and vocational education should not be seen as an area for only men. Having a skill is not based on gender. It is for both men and women because TVET or skills development is the pathway to employment and entrepreneurship,” she said.
Her message comes as more women break into welding at the highest level.
