People's Government of Nanshan District

Li Wentao, who graduated from Shenzhen Polytechnic University and is now a teacher at his alma mater, won a gold medal at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, which concluded in Shanghai on Sept. 27.

In restaurant service, he demonstrated the high professional standards required by the competition. The competition tests comprehensive qualities: a broad knowledge of international dining, familiarity with service rules in various scenarios, and compliance with occupational health, safety and low-carbon waste reduction norms. Good English communication, on-the-spot adaptability and proper etiquette are all indispensable. Li’s victory marked China’s first gold medal in restaurant service and the first gold medal in the event won by an Asian competitor.

Li Wentao (2^nd left) and other winning contestants pose for a group photo on the podium during the award ceremony of the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai on Sept. 27. Photos courtesy of the competition organizer

"Vocational training has given me more choices and helped me find a direction in life," Li said after winning.

"Restaurant service, seemingly simple and taken for granted by many, is in fact quite challenging. Table setting, greeting guests, taking orders, portioning food, tableside service, blind wine tasting — we are required to perform all the tasks in front of guests. That means we are under strict scrutiny while having to smile throughout and getting everything right."

Li enrolled at Shenzhen Polytechnic University in 2022 to study Hotel Management and Digital Operations. In 2023, he competed in China's second Vocational Skills Competition and won a bronze medal in the "restaurant service" event. In 2024, during the national team selection for the 47th WorldSkills Competition, he placed second and became a reserve member of Team China.

Li Wentao during the competition.

Li trained 10 to 12 hours a day preparing for this year’s competition. From the spacing of table settings and water spots on glassware to milk foam thickness and the timing of sauce service, he broke down tasks into measurable technical details that could be reviewed. During the preparation period, he also obtained professional qualifications, such as WSET Level 2 in Wines and Spirits, intermediate bartender, and cruise operations service.

(L-R) Du Meiting, Li Wentao, Qiu Shubin and Qin Xiutao pose for a group photo.

Apart from Li, Qin Xiutao and Qiu Shubin from Shenzhen Institute of Technology (SIT) won gold medals in industrial design and jewelry processing, while Du Meiting, also from SIT, received an award of excellence in graphic design.

The WorldSkills Competition, known as the "Olympics of Skills," is a major international vocational skills event that sets benchmarks for excellence across a wide range of fields.

This year's edition was held in Shanghai, featuring 64 skill events and bringing together 1,385 contestants from 68 countries and regions.

China sent 71 contestants to compete in all 64 events, winning 41 gold, 11 silver and 4 bronze medals, along with 6 awards of excellence.

The country ranked first in both the gold medal tally and overall team score for the fifth time, achieving its best result since joining the competition.