SWC Celebrates Double Podium Finish at WorldSkills UK Automotive Qualifiers

Motor Vehicle apprentices from South West College (SWC) have achieved outstanding success at the prestigious 2026 WorldSkills UK IMI Skills Competition National Qualifiers for Automotive Technology, held at the Delphi Academy in Leamington Spa.

Following strong performances in the regional qualifying rounds, two apprentices from SWC’s Omagh campus secured places in the Light Vehicle category. Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair apprentices Aaron Kelly and Mackenzie Dickson represented both the College and their employers on the national stage.

Aaron Kelly, employed by Finbar Kelly, achieved an impressive second-place finish, while Mackenzie Dickson, employed by Matthew McKeown, secured third place.

Competing against some of the most talented automotive apprentices from across the UK, Aaron and Mackenzie demonstrated their expertise in high-voltage systems, body electrical systems, advanced diagnostics and hydrogen-powered vehicle braking systems.

Their outstanding performances have placed them in contention for selection to the WorldSkills UK National Finals later this year. From there, finalists may be invited to join the WorldSkills UK international training and development programme, a pathway that could see SWC apprentices represent the UK at EuroSkills and, ultimately, at WorldSkills Shanghai in 2026.

John Moss, Head of Department at South West College, congratulated the apprentices on their achievements and said:

"Congratulations to Aaron and Mackenzie on their outstanding performances. It is fantastic to see South West College achieve both Silver and Bronze at such a prestigious national competition.

"We are incredibly proud to see our apprentices reach this stage of the WorldSkills UK competition. Events such as these showcase the strength of further education and the rewarding career opportunities available within the automotive sector. At SWC, we combine industry-led training, state-of-the-art facilities and real-world experiences, such as WorldSkills UK, to equip our learners with the skills and confidence they need for successful careers.

"This success is a testament to the dedication of our lecturing staff and the continued support of our employer partners, who play a vital role in developing the next generation of skilled automotive professionals."