GBSIoT hosts international WorldSkills Industry 4.0 Pressure Test ahead of Shanghai 2026

Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology hosted competitors and WorldSkills experts from the UK, Poland, Hungary and India for an Industry 4.0 International Pressure Test (IPT) from 11 to 13 August, as teams prepare for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Led by the WorldSkills Industry 4.0 expert team, the three-day event gave competitors the opportunity to experience an international competition environment ahead of Shanghai. They completed a series of technical tasks covering areas including cybersecurity, Manufacturing Execution Systems, machine vision, industrial communications, databases and system integration.

Industry 4.0 requires competitors to work across a range of interconnected technologies, bringing together automation, industrial networks, software, data, cybersecurity and digital manufacturing systems within an integrated environment.

The IPT enabled the participating countries to benchmark their preparation against one another, gain a clearer view of the standard expected at the international competition, and identify priorities for their remaining training ahead of Shanghai.

The event was organised and delivered by Omid Teimoori, WorldSkills UK Industry 4.0 Expert, and Marcin Regulski, WorldSkills UK Industry 4.0 Training Manager. Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology hosted the Pressure Test and provided the facilities and support required to deliver the international competition environment.

Omid Teimoori, Support and Training Engineer at Didactic Services Ltd and WorldSkills UK Industry 4.0 Expert, said:

“What stood out most from this International Pressure Test was the value of bringing different countries together so close to Shanghai. It gave everyone a chance to challenge their current approach, compare different ways of working and learn from one another. At this stage of the preparation, that kind of international exposure is extremely valuable and helps ensure the final weeks of training are focused on the areas that will make the biggest difference.”

Taking place just over a month before WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the Birmingham IPT represented one of the final international preparation opportunities ahead of the competition. By hosting the event, GBSIoT was able to use its industry-standard, internationally recognised equipment and facilities to support WorldSkills competitors preparing for international competition.

Institutes of Technology are a national network stretching from Truro to Tyneside, collectively comprising over 70 further education colleges, 30 universities, and 80 employer partners. Our mission is to equip individuals with the advanced technical skills that drive innovation and meet employers’ evolving needs.

To get in touch with your local Institute of Technology, see our Find an IoT page.