For Ruth, being selected for Team UK and earning the opportunity to compete at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is proof that hard work, perseverance and stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
Currently completing a degree apprenticeship at Almac Group, Ruth will represent the UK in Chemical Laboratory Technology at the world’s largest skills competition.
Ruth’s WorldSkills UK journey began before she even started her apprenticeship. During a work experience placement at Almac Group, she met former competitor and now WorldSkills UK Skills Champion, Anastasia, whose enthusiasm for the programme left a lasting impression.
“Anastasia spoke so positively about her experience with WorldSkills UK and all the opportunities it gave her to develop her skills, knowledge and confidence. Even before I started my apprenticeship, I knew that if I got the job, WorldSkills UK was something I wanted to be part of.”
That early inspiration sparked a journey that has now taken Ruth all the way to Team UK and the opportunity to represent the UK on the world stage.
Ruth’s passion for science began at school and developed into a particular interest in laboratory work.
“Nothing really interested me as much as being in the lab. The work is so varied and interesting, and there’s always something new to learn. It constantly challenges you and pushes you outside your comfort zone.”
Today, Ruth combines academic study with hands-on experience through her degree apprenticeship at Almac Group, building technical skills and industry knowledge in a live pharmaceutical environment.
For Ruth, choosing an apprenticeship over a traditional university route was an easy decision.
“I wanted to be in the lab, not just learning about it in a classroom. Through my apprenticeship, I’ve been able to work in a fully functioning pharmaceutical laboratory from day one, building skills and confidence while studying for my degree.”
Although she always hoped to progress through the competition pathway, confidence did not always come naturally.
“I’ve always tried to focus on one step at a time. At every stage, I thought, ‘This might be as far as I get.'”
Instead, she continued to prove herself wrong.
“Being selected for Team UK shows me that hard work pays off. Every sacrifice, every training session and every challenge has been worth it. I’ve learned that if I put the effort in, I can achieve things I never thought possible.”
The experience has transformed her confidence both professionally and personally.
“My family have all commented on how much more confident I’ve become. I’m more willing to try new things, communicate with people and push myself beyond what I thought I could do.”
With Shanghai approaching, Ruth trains twice a week with her Training Manager, Deirdre Murray, at Southern Regional College, while also studying theory and chemistry calculations in her own time. Her preparation has included international experience, with a pressure test event in Austria helping her prepare for the challenges of international competition.
Throughout her journey, Ruth has received strong support from both Almac Group and Southern Regional College, who have provided the flexibility, facilities and expert coaching needed to balance her apprenticeship with elite-level competition training.
“The support I’ve had has been incredible. Both Almac Group and Southern Regional College have given me every opportunity to develop, train and prepare for this challenge. They have supported me every step of the way and have been a huge part of my journey to Team UK.”
As she prepares to compete on the global stage, Ruth is excited by the challenge ahead.
“I’m most looking forward to the challenge. It’s another opportunity to prove to myself that I can do things that once seemed impossible.”
She is also looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of the world’s largest skills competition and representing Team UK alongside competitors from across the globe.
Ruth strongly encourages other students and apprentices to take advantage of the opportunities offered through WorldSkills UK.
“I’ve learned so much, both personally and professionally. It’s helped me become more confident, think differently and push myself further than I ever thought I could. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone.”
