A former student from Bath College has been selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 – often described as the ‘Skills Olympics’.
Oliver Combs, who studied mechanical engineering at the college, will compete in additive manufacturing as part of Team UK when the prestigious event takes place this September.
Organised by WorldSkills UK, Team UK brings together some of the most talented apprentices and young professionals in the country. Competitors are selected through a demanding process of regional and national competitions, followed by intensive training.
At WorldSkills Shanghai, Oliver will go head-to-head with competitors from more than 80 countries, showcasing his expertise in a discipline that is playing a growing role in modern manufacturing and engineering.
The event is recognised globally as a benchmark of excellence in technical and vocational skills, with around 1,500 competitors taking part across a wide range of disciplines, from renewable energy and 3D game design to health and social care and bricklaying.
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.”
His journey to the global stage has been years in the making, progressing through multiple rounds of competition and specialist training both in the UK and overseas. In the final months before the event, he will continue high-performance preparation to ensure he is ready to compete at the highest level.
Ben Blackledge, chief executive of 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.”
Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for the competition, supporting participants as they prepare to compete on the global stage.
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.”
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 will take place from 22–27 September and is expected to attract more than 250,000 visitors, including global employers, education leaders and government representatives.
