Pearson at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
Plan your time with Pearson
Join us at Pearson Place
Bold thinking. Fresh perspectives. Real-world solutions for the future of skills.
Register for the Pearson program and be part of the conversation. While you’re there, explore our product demonstrations and visit our onsite Certification Lab.
September 23 | 16:00–17:00
Proof of What You Know: Fixing the Broken Signal Between Education and Work
A conversation on showing what we know — about what you know.
The skills people gain and the jobs employers need are often disconnected by fragmented, unverifiable information.
This discussion explores how trusted, portable learning records can help bridge that gap and create clearer pathways from education to employment.
Speakers
Art Valentine
President, Assessments & Qualifications, CEO – US
Dave Treat
Chief Technology Officer
Laura Peterson
Managing Director, Pearson Professional Assessments
Chelle Travis
Executive Director of SkillsUSA
September 24 | 14:00–15:00
When Experience Can’t Be Assumed: Rethinking Early Careers in an AI World
A fireside chat with special guests.
As AI reshapes how work gets done, the challenge is making sure early-career talent can still gain the experience needed to build expertise.
This conversation explores how educators, employers, industry bodies and technology partners can intentionally design pathways that prepare people to thrive in an AI-infused world.
Speakers
Freya Thomas Monk
Managing Director, Pearson Qualifications
Art Valentine
President, Assessments & Qualifications, CEO – US
Carey Chen
CEO American Welding Society
Dr. Ismael Al Hinti
President, Al Hussein Technical University
September 24 | 16:00–17:00
English Proficiency: Unlocking a Future of Skills
A panel discussion with special guests.
English is no longer just a language skill. It’s a gateway to workforce readiness, AI opportunity and global mobility.
Discover how assessment, learning and partnerships can turn English proficiency into measurable economic impact.
Speakers
Elaine Cao
Vice President of English Language Learning & CEO, Greater China
Tony Lteif
Global Revenue Officer, English Language Learning & Country Ambassador, KSA
Aiping Sun
Executive Vice President, China POCY Group
Qingyang Zhu
Secretary General, Shanghai Human Resources Service Association
Find us on the WorldSkills Shanghai Stage
Pearson leaders will also join conversations across the official WorldSkills Shanghai program.
September 23 | 14:00–15:15
Excellence for all: building more inclusive TVET systems
How can TVET systems deliver excellence and equity at the same time?
This session examines how high-quality skills development can be made accessible to all learners, particularly those facing structural disadvantage.
Speaker:
Sharon Hague
President, English Language Learning & CEO – UK
September 24 | 09:00–10:30
Ready or not? AI’s real impact on tomorrow’s workforce
Move past the buzzwords and speculation to explore how AI is already changing workforce development within innovation ecosystems.
Speaker:
Dave Treat
Chief Technology Officer
September 24 | 13:30–15:30
Shanghai Skills Development Forum
A thematic session focused on Shanghai’s vocational skills ecosystem, featuring expert roundtables, industry-education dialogue and an award ceremony honoring outstanding skilled craftsmen.
Speaker:
Elaine Cao
Vice President of English Language Learning & CEO, Greater China
More to explore at Pearson Place
There’s more happening between sessions.
Visit Pearson Place to:
- Explore interactive product demonstrations
- Come join Microsoft for a demo of AI Skills Navigator, an AI-powered learning experience that helps learners discover role-based AI skilling paths, credentials, and curated content. Participants will also see how learners can validate and share the skills they build through trusted digital credentials, including Pearson's Credly.
- Try our onsite Certification Lab
- Meet Pearson experts and leaders
- Talk with us about the skills your learners, employees or organization need next
