Two Pembrokeshire College learners are setting out on a journey of a lifetime, in an intrepid bid to do the UK proud at the next WorldSkills Competition; to be held in Shanghai in September 2026.
Following their success in the national skills competitions, beauty therapy learner Erin Owens and welder Luke Roberts will now join an intensive 18-month training programme with the hope of being selected for the team that will represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai in autumn 2026.
Known as the ‘skills olympics’, it is the first time China has hosted the prestigious WorldSkills competition. The event will see 1,500 young people travel to Shanghai from over 80 counties to compete in technical skill disciplines from engineering, manufacturing and technology through to creative, digital and hospitality, in front of an audience of 250,000.
On making it through to Squad UK, Luke commented:
“I am excited about the opportunity ahead and eager to contribute. I have already commenced my training with Carl Parish in Wrexham, and with the high-quality training I received at Pembrokeshire College, combined with my experience at Haven Engineering, I am confident in my ability to handle any tasks assigned to me. It’s a huge honour to be selected to compete, I’m looking forward to the journey ahead.”
The WorldSkills competition is considered by global experts as 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.
Pembrokeshire College has a long history of learners making it through to UK Squad training with carpenter Chris Caine and chef Sam Everton making it through to the World Finals in Russia in 2019 where they were both highly commended in their respective competitions.
College Principal, Dr Barry Walters commented:
“We are exceptionally proud of Erin and Luke for earning their place in Squad UK—a testament to their talent, dedication, and hard work. This opportunity to compete at the highest level is not just about showcasing their skills but about pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and striving for excellence. As they embark on this intensive journey towards the world finals, they carry with them the spirit of our College, inspiring others to dream big and achieve even bigger. We wish them every success!”
WorldSkills UK uses its participation in the international WorldSkills competition to promote skills excellence across the UK, and by working with education, industry and UK governments it is embedding world class training standards throughout the skills sector. This is helping to meet the demand for a highly skilled workforce in crucial sectors including engineering, digital, manufacturing and construction.
The UK will be competing in over 30 skills at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, including 3D Digital Game Art, Robot Systems Integration and Renewable Energy.
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said:
“Congratulations to both Erin and Luke on being selected for our training programme for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Together with the other members on our programme, they 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 said:
“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.”
Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Shanghai, following a successful partnership at WorldSkills Lyon in 2024.
