A new generation of Welsh excellence is heading to the global stage, as further education learners from across Wales are selected to represent the UK at the prestigious WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition.
The announcement marks a major milestone for the learners, who will compete as part of Team UK - the nation’s finest young professionals, showcasing outstanding technical skill, creativity, and dedication across a range of industries.
Backed by WorldSkills UK, Team UK brings together exceptional talent from across the UK, with Welsh learners strongly represented among this year’s cohort. The announcement builds on a strong year for skills excellence in Wales, which proudly hosted the WorldSkills UK National Finals 2025 last autumn. The event brought the UK’s top young talent to Welsh colleges and training providers, further cementing Wales’ reputation as a leader in delivering world-class technical education and skills.
Wales FE learners selected for Team UK
- Logan Cook (3D Digital Game Art) Coleg Gwent
- Tomas Ankers (CNC Milling) Coleg Cambria and Electroimpact
- Madeleine Warburton (Renewable Energy) Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and RWE
- Yuliia Batrak (Restaurant Services) Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and St George’s Hotel
Their selection reflects not only technical excellence, but also the strength of Wales’ FE sector in developing high-quality, work-ready skills for the future.
The learners will now enter an intensive period of training and preparation ahead of the global finals, competing against the best young professionals from around the world at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Inspiring the next generation
Commenting on the announcement, ColegauCymru Chief Executive David Hagendyk, said,
“We are incredibly proud to see Welsh learners representing the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. This is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of their talent, determination, and the outstanding support provided by colleges and industry partners across Wales.
Each of these learners is an inspiration to others, demonstrating what is possible through FE and skills development. We will be cheering them on every step of the way as they showcase Wales’ world-class talent on the international stage.”
WorldSkills UK Board of Trustee Member, and Cardiff and Vale College CEO, Mike James, added,
“WorldSkills UK plays a vital role in raising the profile of technical and professional excellence across the UK. As a trustee, I am continually inspired by the talent, ambition and commitment of learners and educators across the FE sector. Our work is about ensuring young people and apprentices have every opportunity to develop world-class skills that not only meet employer needs today, but also prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the future economy.”
A platform for global excellence
ColegauCymru continues to work closely with colleges and employers across Wales to ensure learners are supported to reach their full potential through high-quality technical and vocational education.
Participation in WorldSkills provides a unique opportunity for learners to test their skills against international benchmarks, gain invaluable experience, and inspire future generations to pursue excellence in technical and professional pathways.
Further Information
WorldSkillsUK
Find out more about WorldSkills UK and Team UK
From 22 - 27 September 2026, WorldSkills UK team members will be competing with talented young skills athletes in Shanghai, China.
ColegauCymru Manifesto for the Senedd 2026 election
Our Senedd Election Manifesto highlights the importance of skills development and a strong FE sector in delivering a prosperous Welsh economy, reinforcing the value of initiatives such as WorldSkills UK in showcasing excellence, raising aspirations, and ensuring Wales has the highly skilled workforce needed for future growth.
