The very best students and apprentices are set to take part in the ‘Skills Olympics’ in Shanghai, in an intrepid bid to do the UK proud on the international stage at the next WorldSkills Competition taking place in Shanghai from 22-27 September 2026.  

Two Scottish college students have been selected to compete in the prestigious competition:

• Stuart Lyons, New College Lanarkshire, competing in Mechanical Engineering: CAD
• Charlie Priestly, North East Scotland College, competing in IT Network Systems Administration. 

Training Manager, Mike Swan – a curriculum leader at Dundee & Angus College, will also be in Shanghai, supporting competitors in the Panting and Decorating competition. 

Gavin Donoghue, CEO of Colleges Scotland Said:

“I want to wish Team UK the best of luck as they prepare to compete on the world stage. Selection alone is a fantastic achievement and reflects the determination, skill and hard work that have brought them this far.  A special good luck to our two Scottish students in Shanghai representing Scotland and the UK. We are all cheering you all on and wishing you every success.”

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.  

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 people.   

The UK will be represented with 28 competitors from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland competing in 25 skills competitions.