A skilled former student from Bath College has been selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, known as the “Skills Olympics.” The event is where the world’s most talented apprentices and young professionals go head-to-head in a high-stakes battle of skill, precision, and motivation.
Oliver Combs, who studied Mechanical Engineering at Bath College, will compete in Additive Manufacturing as part of Team UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 in September.
Selected, mentored, and trained by WorldSkills UK, Team UK brings together competitors at the top of their fields. These individuals are considered among the most 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. This includes renewable energy, 3D game design, car painting, health and social care, chemical laboratory technician, bricklaying, and additive manufacturing. Each competition is a high-performance test of precision and endurance.
WorldSkills is globally recognised as the ultimate benchmark of skills excellence, where nations go head-to-head to prove their ability to power future industries and economic growth. This year’s event in Shanghai is expected to attract more than 250,000 visitors, alongside government leaders, global employers, and education experts.
Oliver’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 both in the UK and internationally. In the final months before Shanghai, Oliver will undergo further high-performance training to ensure he is ready to compete at the highest possible level.
Pearson, the lifelong learning company, is the official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Oliver said, “Being selected for Team UK is a significant milestone in my journey with WorldSkills. Over the past year and a half, the training and competition process has pushed me to develop both my technical skills and my approach to challenges, particularly in precision, time management, and working under pressure.
Representing the UK in Shanghai is a real privilege, responsibility, and opportunity for international development. I am looking forward to the training ahead and to applying everything I have learned so far in a competitive environment in Shanghai.
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK, said, “Congratulations to Oliver on being selected for Team UK. It is a huge achievement and a proud moment for Bath College.”
“At a time when employers are sceptical about employing young people, Team UK show 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 to succeed.
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 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 takes place from 22-27 September and will feature around 1,500 young people from over 80 countries.