The 45th WorldSkills Competition, the world’s largest skills competition, is being held in the Russian city of Kazan on Thursday. Over 1,300 candidates from 63 countries and regions are taking part in the biennial international competition.

This year, 63 Chinese candidates, with an average age of 21, are participating in all 56 events across six categories including construction and building technology, creative arts and fashion, information and communication technology, manufacturing and engineering technology, social and personal services and transportation and logistics.

This is the first time that China is being represented in all events at the competition.

"China has covered most of the competition events with the strongest lineup since we've first participated in the WorldSkills," said Zhang Lixin with China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

China has participated in the WorldSkills Competitions four times since 2011, claiming 20 gold, 15 silver, and 15 bronze medals in total.

The WorldSkills Competition will be the largest international event in Russia this year.

"By comparing innovative approaches in the educational systems around the world, and jointly reviewing the best practices, we can increase the interest of youth in professional skills," said Russia' Minister of Education Olga Vasilyeva.

Shanghai was awarded the right to hold the next event in 2021, after a vote at the 44th WorldSkills Competitions in Abu Dhabi.