A strategic step on the road to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
Set against the vibrant backdrop of EuroSkills Herning 2025, Team UK has reached an important milestone in its journey of skills development and international competition, in preparation for next year’s ‘skills olympics’ in Shanghai, China.
Team UK, selected and trained by WorldSkills UK, in partnership with Pearson, the world’s lifelong learning company, medalled in the following skills:
- Industry 4.0 – Bronze medal
Caolan McCartan from Newry and Patrick Sheerin, from Portadown, Co Armagh who train at Southern Regional College and work for Pronto Engineering Group and A J Power
- CNC Milling – Medallion for Excellence
Tomas Ankers, CNC Milling, from Wrexham who trains at Coleg Cambria and works for Electroimpact
- Painting and Decorating – Medallion for Excellence
Shelby Fitzakerly, Painting & Decorating, from Accrington who trains at Accrington and Rossendale College and works for SPAIN Building and Maintenance
- Plumbing and Heating – Medallion for Excellence
Andrew McCann, Plumbing & Heating, from Aughnacloy, Co.Tyrone, who trains at South West College
- Restaurant Services – Medallion for Excellence
Yuliia Batrak, Restaurant Services, from Colwyn Bay, who trains at Grwp Llandrillo Menai and works at St George’s Hotel
- Hairdressing – Medallion for Excellence
Katie Sime, Hairdressing, from Cheltenham who works for Reds Hair Company
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “We are incredibly proud of the whole of Team UK, who have shown commitment, determination and resilience over three days of intense competition. EuroSkills is a key part of our training programme for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. We selected a young, driven team that show huge potential to develop into world-class skilled professionals, to compete against more experienced competitors from across Europe. This has allowed the team to accelerate their development through the unique opportunity of competition at the highest level, in preparation for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. We are firmly on track to showcase the very best of UK skills on the global stage next year.”
Team UK will now rejoin the WorldSkills UK squad and continue training with the aim of being selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills. Known as the ‘skills olympics’, the next WorldSkills event takes place in Shanghai, China from 22 – 27 September 2026 and is considered the ultimate test of a nation’s ability to meet future skills needs. It is attended by government representatives, educationalists and leading employers from across the globe.
ENDS
About EuroSkills Competition
Held every two years, EuroSkills, organised by WorldSkills Europe, sees hundreds of young people under the age of 25 from 33 countries across Europe come together to compete for the chance to become the Best in Europe in their chosen skill or profession. Supported by Members, Sponsors and Partners, industries, governments, volunteers, and educational institutions, WorldSkills Europe is making a direct impact on raising the level of skills throughout Europe.
The EuroSkills Competition in 2025 takes place in Herning, Denmark from 9 – 13 September.
