Skilled South West College Plumbing Apprentices on road to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

South West College Plumbing and Heating apprentices, David Bateman Smith from Lisbellaw, who studies in Enniskillen and is employed by Ashley McFarland Plumbing and Andrew McCann from Aughnacloy, who studies in Omagh and is employed by Anderson Mechanical Services in Loughgall, Armagh is setting out on a journey of a lifetime, in an intrepid bid to do the UK proud on the international stage at the next WorldSkills Competition. Known as the ‘Skills Olympics’, it will be held in Shanghai from 22-27 September 2026.

Following David and Andrew’s successes in its national skills competitions, WorldSkills UK, in partnership with Pearson, (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s lifelong learning company has announced that David and Andrew will join its 18-month intensive training programme. David and Andrew are now aiming to be selected for the team that will represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai.

It is the first time China has hosted the prestigious WorldSkills competition. The event will see 1500 young people travel to Shanghai from over 80 counties to compete in technical skill disciplines from engineering, manufacturing and technology through to creative, digital and hospitality in front of an audience of 250,000.

The WorldSkills competition is considered by global experts as 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.

WorldSkills UK uses its participation in the international WorldSkills competition to promote skills excellence across the UK, and by working with education, industry and UK governments it is embedding world class training standards throughout the skills sector. This is helping to meet the demand for a highly skilled workforce in crucial sectors including engineering, digital, manufacturing and construction.

The UK will be competing in over 30 skills at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, including 3D Digital Game Art, Robot Systems Integration and Renewable Energy.

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said:

“Congratulations to David and Andrew on being selected for our training programme for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Together with the other members on our programme, David and Andrew will be developing the right skills to fuel business growth across our economy. With WorldSkills being hosted in Shanghai next year, it provides a fantastic platform for us to work closely with China, where we know skills excellence is a priority, to collaborate, innovate and learn from the very best in the world.”

Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications said: “Pearson is proud to sponsor Team UK! Boosting the profile and prestige of technical and vocational education is incredibly important to us and I wish this talented group of 86 young people from across the country the best of luck as they begin their training programme towards competing in Shanghai."

Congratulating David and Andrew, SWC, Principal and Chief Executive Celine McCartan said:

“WorldSkills UK Competitions are renowned within the industry for accelerating the professional development of competitors whilst highlighting the value of apprenticeships.

“Andrew and David are the only Squad UK competitors in the Plumbing and Heating competition, showcasing the outstanding talent we have here. Their success is a testament to their dedication and skill, as well as the exceptional training provided by their employers and the College.

“The skills David and Andrew have developed and the high standards they have achieved represent the very best our nation has to offer. I hope they take great pride in their hard work and talent, which have rightfully earned them this opportunity to compete for a place on the UK team at WorldSkills Shanghai.”

John Moss Head of Department Sustainability Construction and Transport said:

"Andrew and David’s achievement highlights their remarkable talent and commitment. It also reflects the steadfast support of our staff, their employers, and the vital encouragement from family and friends. We’re incredibly proud of them and wish them every success as they continue their training.”

Christopher Robinson, Head of Work-Based Learning at South West College, said:

“This is fantastic news! Their achievements not only raise the standards of our apprenticeship system but also bring pride to us all and the wider industry. We wish them every success as they begin their specialist training towards competing in Shanghai.”