South West College (SWC) apprentice Andrew McCann, from Aughnacloy, County Tyrone, has been officially selected to represent Team UK at EuroSkills Herning 2025 in Denmark this September, where he will compete in the Plumbing and Heating category on one of the world's most prestigious skills stages.

Andrew, who studies one day a week at SWC’s Omagh Campus while working with Anderson Mechanical Services in Loughgall, is part of the elite WorldSkills UK Squad, a hand-picked group of young professionals training across a wide range of disciplines in what is often described as the ‘Skills Olympics’.

Andrew’s journey began when an SWC lecturer encouraged him to enter his first competition. In 2022, his talent and determination led him to the SkillBuild UK National Final, where his performance earned him a place in Squad UK. Following a demanding selection process and continued training, he has now secured his place on Team UK for EuroSkills Herning 2025.

The EuroSkills event will gather hundreds of Europe’s most talented young professionals from 33 countries, competing across 38 different skills. The competition will take place over five days at MCH Messecenter Herning, Scandinavia’s largest convention centre, and includes an opening ceremony, three days of competition, and a grand closing ceremony with medal presentations.

To prepare, Andrew has been undertaking intensive in-person training blocks with WorldSkills UK, focusing on both technical mastery and competition readiness.

Speaking about the experience, Andrew said:
“I didn’t really know what I was getting into at first, but I’m really glad my tutors encouraged me. The training has taught me new, faster, and more efficient techniques that I’ve already started using at work. It’s a huge honour to reach this stage, and I’m looking forward to competing.”


Andrew credits his success to the apprenticeship route, along with the dedicated support from his college tutors, employer, and family.

Vanessa O’Keeffe, Deputy Head of Department Sustainability Construction and Transport, commented:
“WorldSkills UK Competitions are recognised for accelerating professional development and raising the profile of apprenticeships. We’re incredibly proud of Andrew, to be competing at this level is an exceptional achievement, and we’ll be supporting him every step of the way.”

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