Following years of intensive training and preparation, the results from the international WorldSkills Shanghai competition have been revealed, with Southern Regional College (SRC) students achieving an exceptional medal haul.
SRC student Ruth Douglas (22) from Banbridge has won gold in ‘Chemical Laboratory Technician’ category, while Oisin McKerr (22) from Lurgan has secured bronze in ‘Car Painting’.
Fellow SRC competitors Johnny Gough (22) from Waringstown in ‘Electrical Installation’; Patrick Sheerin (25) from Portadown and Caolan McCartan (25) from Camlough, competing in Industry 4.0, all secured Medallions of Excellence.
This is a phenomenal result for the College, with all SRC competitors receiving medals at the 48th edition of this global competition, widely recognised as the ‘Skills Olympics’.
WorldSkills is the world’s largest vocational education and skills competition, bringing together young competitors from across the globe to compete in a wide range of technical, skilled and service professions. The competition represents the highest international benchmark for skills excellence and challenges participants to demonstrate technical ability, precision and professionalism on a global stage.
Competitors underwent an intense four days of competition in Shanghai from 22 – 26 September, competing against some of the most talented young professionals. The results were announced during the closing ceremony, which was livestreamed on Sunday 27 September 2026.
Going into Shanghai these talented young people carried the hopes of a nation with them. All have undergone rigorous programme of preparation, training and pressure testing against competitors from other nations following their success at UK national competitions.
Their journey to WorldSkills Shanghai began with their selection for Squad UK, where they undertook further specialist training and development. Earlier this year, they were selected to represent Team UK in their respective skill categories, having demonstrated exceptional technical ability, determination and commitment to excellence.
For the competitors, representing Team UK at WorldSkills Shanghai has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. WorldSkills operates strict eligibility criteria, with competitors in most categories required to be aged 22 or under. Certain categories allow competitors to be up to 25, including Industry 4.0.
***
Competing in the category Industry 4.0, were SRC students Patrick Sheerin and Caolan McCartan. Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution and uses smart technology and data to automate and improve manufacturing processes. Both have foundation degrees in Mechatronics from the College with Patrick progressing to an Engineering BEng (Hons) degree, which he also obtained from the College.
This has stood the duo in good stance, with the pair winning a gold medal in the national WorldSkills UK competition in 2024, and a bronze medal at the EuroSkills Herning competition in Denmark last year.
However, success at EuroSkills didn’t automatically guarantee Patrick and Caolan a place in the team for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. After this European success Patrick and Caolan headed straight back into training with fellow Squad UK members and were announced as Team UK’s representatives for Shanghai in May. Patrick says it was ‘utter relief’ when they found out they had been selected to join Team UK once more.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College commented:
“This is a phenomenal result for Team UK and our SRC competitors. They have given it their all and left everything out there in the competition arena. Their success is a tremendous reflection of their talent, determination and commitment to excellence. We could not be prouder of what they have achieved on the world stage.
“At Southern Regional College, we are committed to developing the skills, talent and confidence of our students and ensuring they have the opportunities to achieve their full potential. WorldSkills provides an exceptional platform to showcase the value and importance of technical and vocational skills and the achievements of Ruth, Oisin, Johnny, Patrick and Caolan demonstrate just what can be achieved through dedication, expert training and a commitment to excellence.
These medals are a fantastic achievement for each competitor personally, while also highlighting the calibre of skills talent being developed here at SRC and across Northern Ireland.
The 49th WorldSkills competition is set to take place from 15-20 November 2028 in Aichi, Japan.
ENDS