For Oisin, cars have been a passion for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, he was fascinated by how cars looked and worked, and it was this childhood interest that ultimately inspired him to pursue a career in the automotive industry.
Today, that passion has taken him further than he ever imagined. Working at Porters Body Shop, Oisin is preparing to represent the UK in Car Painting at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, competing against some of the very best young talent from around the world.
Oisin says he feels over the moon to have been selected to travel to China and compete:
“I’ve always loved cars, so getting the chance to turn something I’ve enjoyed since I was a kid into a career, and now to be competing on the world stage, has been brilliant.”
His journey began with an apprenticeship at Southern Regional College, while WorldSkills UK competitions have given Oisin the opportunity to take his skills to another level.
“Competing has challenged me to push myself harder, pay closer attention to detail and continually raise the standard of my work,” explains Oisin.
Oisin has continued to develop his skills while working at Porters Body Shop, alongside his WorldSkills UK training and preparation. He isn’t the first person from Porters Body Shop to compete in WorldSkills UK competitions, with the business having previously had another competitor take part.
Now, Oisin is taking everything he has learned through his apprenticeship, career and competition journey to the biggest challenge of his career so far. In Shanghai, he will have the opportunity to pit his skills against some of the best young Car Painters in the world and showcase the skills and expertise he has developed throughout his journey.
For Oisin, his experience is also proof of the opportunities an apprenticeship can create. He hopes his journey will inspire other young people to consider an apprenticeship and see where it could take them.
Oisin says:
“I never expected my apprenticeship to take me all the way to representing the UK in Shanghai. I’d definitely encourage anyone thinking about their future to consider an apprenticeship. You get to learn on the job, develop real skills and, if you put the work in, there are so many opportunities to see where it can take you.”
