NI apprentices set sights on WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

Northern Regional College students Jaime Matthews and Charlie Fleck

Two joinery apprentices from Northern Regional College are preparing to represent the UK on the international stage at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, following their selection for an elite 18-month training programme.

As Charlie Fleck and Jamie Matthews prepare to set out on a journey of a lifetime, both employed by leading Antrim-based joinery firm Mivan, will undergo intensive training as part of WorldSkills UK’s preparation for the competition, often dubbed the “skills Olympics”.

Scheduled to take place in Shanghai from 22–27 September 2026, the event will see 1,500 young professionals from over 80 countries compete across 60 technical disciplines.

This marks the first time China will host the prestigious WorldSkills competition, which draws over 250,000 spectators and garners international attention from governments, education leaders, and major employers.

Northern Regional College student Charlie Fleck

Charlie Fleck expressed his excitement at being selected:

“To be selected for the WorldSkills UK training programme is a dream come true. It’s a massive opportunity to grow my skills, learn from the best, and hopefully represent the UK on a world stage. I can’t wait to get started. I’ve learned so much during my apprenticeship with Mivan, and their support alongside the College, has played a big part in helping me get to this point.”

Northern Regional College student Jamie Matthews

His colleague, Jamie Matthews, echoed the sentiment, saying:

“I feel incredibly proud to be part of this journey. The level of support and training we’re receiving is phenomenal. It’s going to be a lot of hard work, but I’m excited for the challenge and determined to give it my all. I’m really grateful for the encouragement I’ve had from my employer and lecturing staff at the College.”

Both students were chosen after excelling at the WorldSkills UK National Finals and SkillBuild – CITB’s flagship national competition programme. The joinery discipline is among several construction-related skills being developed in collaboration with CITB, including bricklaying, cabinet making, and painting and decorating.

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

“Charlie and Jamie’s selection for the WorldSkills UK training programme is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of their talent, dedication, and hard work. It also highlights the vital role that our staff and their employers play in nurturing and supporting young people to reach their full potential. We are incredibly proud of both students and look forward to following their journey as they progress through this prestigious programme.”

WorldSkills UK, in partnership with Pearson – the world’s lifelong learning company – is using the international stage to drive excellence in technical education across the UK.

Team UK will compete in over 30 skill areas at the 2026 event, from 3D Digital Game Art and Robot Systems Integration to Renewable Energy and Joinery.

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, praised the apprentices:

“Congratulations to Charlie and Jamie on being selected for our training programme for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Together with the other members on our programme, Charlie and Jamie 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, added:

“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.”

The announcement underlines Northern Ireland’s growing reputation for producing world-class talent in the skilled trades sector, and the role that high-quality apprenticeships and employer engagement play in that success.