An exceptional apprentice from Shrewsbury College has been selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, known as the “Skills Olympics,” where the world’s most talented apprentices and young professionals compete head-to-head in a high-stakes battle of skill, precision and innovation.
Joe Shinger, who is training in Construction at Shrewsbury College while working for the Shingler Group, one of the region’s most highly regarded construction companies, will represent Team UK in the bricklaying competition as part of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 this September.
Selected, mentored and trained by WorldSkills UK, Team UK brings together a group of competitors at the very top of their fields. These individuals are among the most highly skilled young professionals anywhere in the world.
Competing against the best from over 80 countries, Team UK will showcase world-class expertise across a diverse range of disciplines. As well as bricklaying, these include renewable energy, 3D game design, car painting, health and social care, and chemical laboratory technician. Each competition is a high-performance test of precision and endurance.
WorldSkills is globally recognised as the ultimate benchmark of skills excellence, where nations compete to demonstrate their ability to power future industries and economic growth. This year’s event in Shanghai is expected to attract more than 250,000 visitors, as well as government leaders, global employers and education experts.
Joe’s journey to this moment has been years in the making. He has progressed through rigorous WorldSkills UK regional and national competitions, followed by intensive specialist training in the UK and internationally. In the final months before Shanghai, Joe will undergo further high-performance preparation to ensure he is ready to compete at the highest possible level.
Pearson, the lifelong learning company, is the official partner of Team UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Stuart Raine, Curriculum Director for Construction and the Built Environment at Shrewsbury College, said: ‘We’re delighted that Joe has been selected. He has worked extremely hard. He has enjoyed the challenge of getting this far and is keen to continue his success to date in Shanghai. We’re also honoured to be hosting the Team UK brickwork team at the college with their pre-final training camp ahead of the competition at the end of April.’
James Staniforth, Principal of Shrewsbury College, added: ‘Joe is the perfect ambassador for the UK, showcasing the skills we produce, and we will wish him well in the Final. He is a fantastic inspiration for our other students and apprentices.’
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK, said: “Congratulations to Joe on being selected for Team UK, it is a huge achievement and a proud moment for Joe, the Shingler Group and Shrewsbury College.
“At a time when employers are sceptical about employing young people, Team UK show just how important it is to have young professionals in the workforce. These young technicians have an incredibly valuable mix of world-class technical skills, impressive employability skills, and a mindset for success. If we are serious about tackling the NEET challenge, we need to get more young people ready for work, and skills competitions are a proven way to improve engagement in training and work readiness.”
Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications, said: "Every member of Team UK has earned their place through exceptional dedication and commitment to their chosen fields, representing the very best of our nation’s talent. WorldSkills Shanghai is an opportunity to celebrate their vocational and technical expertise, and the skill, determination, and ambition it takes to set new benchmarks for excellence on the global stage. Pearson is proud to support Team UK as they take on this extraordinary challenge and inspire future generations to aim high and believe in their potential.”
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 takes place from 22-27 September and will feature around 1,500 young people from over 80 countries.