On October 27 and 28, 2023, the inaugural National Skills Competition for the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Industry is taking place in Hefei, Anhui Province. This national-level event is the largest of its kind, featuring the highest number of participants and representing the top skill levels in the industry.

Over the past several months, 437 preliminary rounds have been organized across various regions, with more than 53,000 competitors. From this extensive pool, 401 participants have advanced to the finals. Key figures at the opening ceremony included Wang Hui, a member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, who delivered the opening address, and Li Zhong, a member of the Anhui Provincial Government’s Party Leadership Group and Deputy Governor, who offered a welcome speech. Additionally, Qin Chaojun, Deputy Director of the Vocational Ability Construction Department of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, and Li Qingzhong, Chairman and Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the National Committee of the China Seamen and Construction Workers’ Union, were also present.

Wang Hui emphasized that this national competition provides a platform for skilled individuals to showcase their talents and enhance their skills through competition. The aim is to elevate the technical capabilities of frontline workers, thereby laying a solid foundation for high-quality development in the industry. He expressed hope that the competition will promote the spirit of craftsmanship and accelerate the cultivation of a new generation of construction workers, enhancing the reputation of “China Construction.”

The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, and the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. It features a unique format that combines competitions with exhibitions, creating a grand stage for skills. Tailored to the specifics of the housing and urban-rural construction industry, the competition focuses on the construction of “good houses” and includes five skill events: Building Information Modeling Technician, Mason, Rebar Worker, Waterproofing Worker, and Pipe Worker. Additionally, the event emphasizes both the preservation of traditional craftsmanship and the application of new technologies, showcasing skills in areas such as ancient architecture, rural construction, building robotics, and gas operation.