Co Antrim apprentice selected for ‘Skills Olympics’ as global spotlight turns to Shanghai

19-year-old Jamie Matthews from Antrim has been selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

A 19-year-old apprentice from Antrim is set to compete on one of the world’s biggest stages for vocational talent after being selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 — a global contest where elite young professionals go head-to-head in high-pressure, precision-based challenges.

Jamie Matthews, who is training with Mivan and studying a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Carpentry & Joinery at Northern Regional College, will compete in Joinery as part of Team UK this September, placing him among the most highly skilled young tradespeople internationally.

Global stage for elite skills competition

WorldSkills — often described as the ‘Skills Olympics’ — is widely regarded as the ultimate benchmark of technical excellence, bringing together competitors from more than 80 countries to demonstrate world-class ability across a wide range of industries.

The Shanghai event is expected to attract over 250,000 visitors, including government leaders, global employers and education experts, as nations showcase their capacity to drive future economic growth through skills and innovation.

Competitors will take part in rigorous, high-performance assessments across disciplines including renewable energy, 3D games design, car painting, health and social care, chemical laboratory technician roles, bricklaying and joinery. Each challenge is designed to test precision, concentration and endurance at the highest level.

Years of preparation lead to Team UK selection

Jamie’s selection follows years of sustained progress through national and international competitions.

After excelling in WorldSkills UK national contests, he was previously chosen to represent the UK at EuroSkills Herning 2025 — Europe’s largest skills competition. His continued development through intensive training and competitive performance has now secured his place on Team UK for the global finals in Shanghai.

In the lead-up to the event, he will undergo further high-performance preparation under the guidance of WorldSkills UK, which selects, mentors and trains competitors operating at the very top of their respective fields.

Pride and ambition ahead of Shanghai challenge

Speaking after his selection, Jamie said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. It is a huge honour to be part of Team UK and to have the opportunity to compete against some of the best joiners in the world.

“I’ve worked really hard with the support of my mentors at Northern Regional College and Mivan, and I’m proud to have reached this stage. I’m looking forward to the challenge and giving it everything I’ve got in Shanghai.”

Skills competitions spotlight workforce readiness

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, said Jamie’s achievement reflects both individual talent and the wider importance of developing skilled young professionals.

“Congratulations to Jamie on being selected for Team UK, it is a huge achievement and a proud moment for Antrim.

“At a time when employers are sceptical about employing young people, Team UK show just how important it is to have young professionals in the workforce.

“These young technicians have an incredibly valuable mix of world-class technical skills, impressive employability skills and a mindset to succeed. If we are serious about tackling the NEET challenge, we need to get more young people ready for work, and skills competitions are a proven way to improve engagement in training and work readiness.”

National backing and industry recognition

Pearson, the lifelong learning company and official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, also highlighted the significance of the competition in showcasing the UK’s vocational talent.

Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications, said:

“Every member of Team UK has earned their place through exceptional dedication and commitment to their chosen fields, representing the very best of our nation’s talent.

“WorldSkills Shanghai is an opportunity to celebrate their vocational and technical expertise, and the skill, determination, and ambition it takes to set new benchmarks for excellence on the global stage.

“Pearson is proud to support Team UK as they take on this extraordinary challenge and inspire future generations to aim high and believe in their potential.”

Northern Regional College highlights local success

Northern Regional College said Jamie’s achievement reflects both his individual commitment and the strength of apprenticeship pathways in Northern Ireland.

Mel Higgins, Principal and Chief Executive of Northern Regional College and Trustee of WorldSkills UK, said:

“We are incredibly proud of Jamie and this outstanding achievement. His selection for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is a reflection of his dedication, talent and the exceptionally high standard he has consistently demonstrated throughout his training.

“Jamie’s success also highlights the strength of the support provided through Northern Regional College and the value of our partnership with Mivan. To represent the UK on the global stage in joinery is a tremendous honour, and we are confident Jamie will be an exceptional ambassador for the College, for Northern Ireland and for skills excellence.”

Countdown to Shanghai

With the competition set for September, Jamie now enters the final phase of preparation, where performance margins are measured in millimetres and milliseconds.

His selection places a spotlight on both local talent and the wider role of apprenticeships in building a skilled workforce capable of competing at the highest international level.

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At a glance

• Jamie Matthews, 19, from Antrim selected for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

• Competing in Joinery as part of Team UK this September

• Apprentice with Mivan and student at Northern Regional College

• Event features competitors from over 80 countries

• More than 250,000 visitors expected in Shanghai

• Previously represented the UK at EuroSkills Herning 2025

• Undergoing intensive final training ahead of global finals

• WorldSkills seen as the top global benchmark for skills excellence

• Supported by WorldSkills UK and official partner Pearson

• College says achievement reflects strength of local apprenticeship pathways