Caolan is proud to be the first higher-level apprentice at Pronto Engineering Group to take part in the WorldSkills UK Competitions. His talent and drive have earned him a coveted place on the elite training programme for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, with the first step being to represent the UK in Industry 4.0 at EuroSkills Herning 2025.
“Pronto Engineering Group has backed me every step of the way, and now they’re working with Southern Regional College, where I’m studying for my apprenticeship, to get more apprentices into WorldSkills UK because they’ve seen just how valuable the experience really is.”
Passionate about engineering, Caolan graduated in clinical psychology at Queen’s University in Belfast but realising that many of his skills could be applied to a more hands-on technical career, he went onto study a Higher Level apprenticeship in Technical Design and Manufacture.
“Choosing to do an apprenticeship was not only an easy decision for me, but one of the most rewarding choices I’ve ever made. From day one, I was hands-on with real projects, earning while I learned and gaining relevant qualifications. I’ve encouraged my younger brothers to take the same path.”
Caolan explains he wasn’t overly competitive, but taking part in WorldSkills UK Competitions has inspired him to be the best he can be, describing the experience of winning Gold with his teammate Patrick at the National Finals in Manchester as ‘just brilliant’. Caolan received the news he had been selected to compete at EuroSkills while he was at work and says his workmates were ‘chuffed’ for him as they knew just how much it means to him.
When asked if he had any advice for people starting out in their apprenticeship, Caolan didn’t hesitate, he said: “Get involved in WorldSkills UK Competitions. It’s a wonderful opportunity to challenge yourself, build confidence, and show your employers just what you are capable of.”
Follow Caolan’s journey @WorldSkills UK
Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for EuroSkills Herning 2025 and WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Find out how the WorldSkills UK Learning Lab can support apprentices and learners.
