Team UK Announced for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
The official roster for Team UK has been revealed for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Often described as the “Skills Olympics,” this international competition brings together the world’s most talented apprentices and young professionals to compete in a high-stakes environment defined by precision and innovation.
The Road to Shanghai
A team of 26 talented young professionals has been selected to represent the United Kingdom in China this September. These competitors will face off against thousands of the best and brightest counterparts from across the globe, competing across 24 different disciplines. To prepare for the intensity of the event, WorldSkills UK, in partnership with Pearson, implemented an 18-month intensive training programme for over 80 young people.
The team’s composition supports the UK Government’s objective to establish the country as an epicenter of excellence in manufacturing and engineering. Team UK will compete in specialized technical categories including:
- Industry 4.0
- Mechatronics
- CNC Milling
- Electrical Installation
- Mechanical Engineering CAD
- Web Technologies
Featured Competitors and Disciplines
The 2026 squad includes a diverse range of students and apprentices from across the UK. Notable selections include Stuart Lyons, a 21-year-old from Lanark and several students from Northern Ireland and Wales.
| Skill | Competitor | Hometown/Region | Organisation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Digital Game Art | Logan Cook | Newport, Wales | Coleg Gwent |
| Additive Manufacturing | Oliver Coombs | Bath | Bath College / BIMTek |
| Aircraft Maintenance | Elyot Harmston | Biggleswade, Bedfordshire | The Shuttleworth Collection |
| Autobody Repair | Joe Wilton | Ballymena, Northern Ireland | Riverpark Training / SDM Paintwork |
| Beauty Therapy | Neve Dunn | South Shields | Tyne Coast College / Crown Hair & Beauty |
| Bricklaying | Joseph Shingler | Shrewsbury | Shrewsbury College / The Shingler Group |
| Cabinet Making | Stanley Mackintosh | Norwich | Rycotewood College / Bill Cleyndert and Company |
| Car Painting | Oisin McKerr | Lurgan, Northern Ireland | Southern Regional College / Porters Body Shop |
| Chemical Laboratory Technician | Ruth Douglas | Banbridge, Northern Ireland | Southern Regional College / Almac |
| CNC Milling | Tomas Ankers | Wrexham, Wales | Coleg Cambria / Electroimpact |
Key Takeaways
- Team Size: 26 competitors representing the UK.
- Scope: Competition spans 24 skill disciplines.
- Preparation: Candidates underwent an 18-month intensive training programme via WorldSkills UK and Pearson.
- Strategic Focus: Strong emphasis on engineering, manufacturing, and digital technologies.
Looking Ahead
As Team UK prepares to travel to China, the focus remains on demonstrating technical mastery and innovation. The competition serves as a global benchmark for vocational excellence, highlighting the critical role of apprenticeships and technical qualifications in the modern economy.
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