Jonathan Gough, from Waringstown in County Down, Northern Ireland, is building a bright future in Electrical Installation. Now in his third year as an apprentice at Southern Regional College, Jonathan is gaining valuable hands-on experience both through his studies and on the job.
Practical and ambitious, he realised early on that university wasn’t the right path for him.
“I did my A-levels, but I knew university-style learning wasn’t for me,” he explains. “While I was still in Lower Sixth, I realised I wanted to go into electrical work.”
Outside of his formal training, Jonathan keeps himself busy by taking on extra electrical work in his spare time. His long-term goal is to set up his own business, and each job he tackles now is a step toward that future. His dedication to his craft quickly caught the attention of his college lecturers, one of whom entered him into an inter-campus heat for WorldSkills UK.
“I wasn’t expecting much, but I ended up winning it,” he says.
Encouraged by that early success, Jonathan went on to win the regional qualifiers and later secured a place at the WorldSkills UK National Finals in 2024, where he earned a bronze medal. He describes the moment his name was announced in front of thousands at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester as truly unforgettable. His strong performance at the National Finals led to his selection for Squad UK.
Finding out he had been selected for EuroSkills Herning 2025 was an exciting surprise for Jonathan. “My Training Manager Mitchel Smith asked if I’d seen the email. I hadn’t checked it yet. He said, ‘You’ve been selected to go to EuroSkills Herning.’ I was a bit taken aback,” Jonathan recalls. “I didn’t think I was up to standard during the training sessions, so I was surprised—but really happy.”
His family and tutors have been overwhelmingly supportive. “They’re all really excited for me—it’s such a great opportunity,” he says. Jonathan also notes how much his College Tutors have helped along the way, with one even planning to offer him work when he finishes college in September.
Preparing for EuroSkills Herning 2025 involves a rigorous training schedule. Each Tuesday, Jonathan takes part in training sessions with his training manager, Mitchel Smith, and Tom Wilkinson to cover the theoretical side. He also travels to Chesterfield every few weeks to meet with Mitchel for practical training. In addition to this, Jonathan continues to work in electrical installation, meaning he’s constantly developing his skills. “Some days start at 8 a.m. and don’t finish until 10 or 11 at night — it’s nonstop,” he says. “But I’m committed to putting in the hard work because I know the reward will be worth it.”
Jonathan credits the competition training with giving him the essential skills he’ll carry throughout his career. “It’s helped me develop everything to a high standard for both daily life and work. WorldSkills UK has also put us through different training courses, which has helped me grow in ways I wouldn’t have otherwise.”
Looking ahead to EuroSkills Herning 2025, Jonathan is excited for the experience. “From what I’ve heard, it sounds amazing,” he says. “It’s a great opportunity, and I hope it gives me a taste of what WorldSkills Shanghai could be like—something I’d love to be selected for.”
For others considering getting involved in WorldSkills UK, Jonathan has no hesitation in recommending it. “It’s been an amazing experience,” he says. “From travelling to England to train, to working with people who are so skilled in this sector—I’ve learned so much. I’d definitely encourage others to go for it.”
Follow Jonathan’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.
