Ahmed Shakir currently training at Bradford College and employed by Bradford based Joinery contractors Abrahams & Carlisle is setting out on a journey of a lifetime, in an intrepid bid to do the UK proud on the international stage at the ‘skills Olympics’ in China.
Following Ahmed’s success in its national skills competitions, WorldSkills UK, in partnership with Pearson, has announced that Ahmed will join its 18-month intensive training programme, with the aim to be selected for the team that will represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai in September 2026.
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.
WorldSkills UK uses its participation in the international WorldSkills competition to promote skills excellence and working with education, industry and UK governments it is embedding world class training standards across the UK. This is helping to meet the demand for a highly skilled workforce in crucial sectors including engineering, digital, manufacturing and construction.
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to Ahmed on being selected for our training programme for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Together with the other members on our programme, Ahmed 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.”
Jonathan Hemingway, Director ay Abrahams & Carlisle expressed his delight that Ahmed has been selected to train with squad UK. ‘Since beginning his journey at Bradford college in 2021 and starting his apprenticeship in 2023, Ahmed has shown the ultimate dedication and the highest level of natural skill to progress to this next level. Everyone at Abrahams & Carlisle is proud of Ahmed and will support him on his journey’.
It is the first time China has hosted the prestigious WorldSkills event, which is known as the ‘skills olympics’. The event will see 1500 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. The UK will be competing in over 30 skills at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, including 3D Digital Game Art, Robot Systems Integration and Renewable Energy.
Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Shanghai, which takes place from 22-27 September 2026.
