Set against the vibrant backdrop of EuroSkills Herning 2025, Team UK has reached an important milestone in its journey of skills development and international competition, in preparation for next year’s ‘skills olympics’ in Shanghai, China.

Team UK, selected and trained by WorldSkills UK, in partnership with Pearson, (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s lifelong learning company, medalled across multiple skills at EuroSkills Herning 2025. Among them, South West College Plumbing apprentice Andrew McCann from Aughnacloy, County Tyrone, employed by Anderson Mechanical Services, proudly received a Medallion for Excellence in Plumbing and Heating.

Celine McCartan, Principal and Chief Executive of South West College, said:

“Congratulations to Andrew on his outstanding achievement and to Team UK for winning multiple medals at WorldSkills.

These results highlight the value of national and international competitions in raising the standards of education and training, while showcasing the incredible talent of our region’s students and apprentices on the world stage.

Andrew’s success is a testament to his skill and dedication, supported by our staff, his employer Anderson Mechanical Services, and the encouragement of his family and friends. We’re proud of his accomplishment and wish him continued success in the future.”


Team UK medallists at EuroSkills Herning 2025:
  • Industry 4.0 - Bronze medal / Caolan McCartan from Newry and Patrick Sheerin, from Portadown, Co Armagh who train at Southern Regional College and work for Pronto Engineering Group and A J Power
  • Painting and Decorating – Medallion for Excellence / Shelby Fitzakerly, Painting & Decorating, from Accrington who trains at Accrington and Rossendale College and works for SPAIN Building and Maintenance
  • Restaurant Services – Medallion for Excellence / Yuliia Batrak, Restaurant Services, from Colwyn Bay, who trains at Grwp Llandrillo Menai and works at St George's Hotel
  • CNC Milling – Medallion for Excellence / Tomas Ankers, CNC Milling, from Wrexham who trains at Coleg Cambria and works for Electroimpact
  • Plumbing and Heating - Medallion for Excellence /Andrew McCann, Plumbing & Heating, from Aughnacloy, Co.Tyrone, who trains at South West College
  • Hairdressing – Medallion for Excellence / Katie Sime, Hairdressing, from Cheltenham who works for Reds Hair Company

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said:

“We are incredibly proud of the whole of Team UK, who have shown commitment, determination and resilience over three days of intense competition. EuroSkills is a key part of our training programme for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. We selected a young, driven team that show huge potential to develop into world-class skilled professionals, to compete against more experienced competitors from across Europe. This has allowed the team to accelerate their development through the unique opportunity of competition at the highest level, in preparation for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. We are firmly on track to showcase the very best of UK skills on the global stage next year.”

Team UK will now rejoin the WorldSkills UK squad and continue training with the aim of being selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills. Known as the ‘skills olympics’, the next WorldSkills event takes place in Shanghai, China from 22 – 27 September 2026 and is considered 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.

Plumbing and Heating