Joinery Apprentice Targets WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

Following national success at SkillBuild 2024, Bradford College’s Ahmed Shakir has recently been shortlisted for a chance to represent ‘Squad UK’ at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Supported by his Bradford employer, Abrahams & Carlisle, Ahmed now joins an intensive 18-month training programme with the end goal of competing against other young tradespeople at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in September 2026.

Speaking about his latest achievement, he said: “I’m delighted to have made it into the Squad UK joinery category, alongside three other competitors! The training programme will be intense, but I know it will push me to be the best I can be. I’m excited for the challenge ahead!

“Both Abrahams & Carlisle and Bradford College continue to be hugely supportive of my journey. Abrahams & Carlisle helped with preparation for the SkillBuild final back in 2024, even transporting all my tools to Milton Keynes, and are fully on board with my training and further opportunities. Training and competing means time away from work, but both my employer and the College are fully behind me, which is really nice!”

WorldSkills, also known as the ‘Skills Olympics’, is the largest and most prestigious skills competition in the world. The 2026 edition will bring together 1,500 competitors, from across 80+ countries, to compete in over 30 technical skill areas. These specialties range from engineering and digital technology to construction and hospitality.

The global event is intended to be a platform for showcasing excellence and driving up standards in vocational education and training.

After already proving himself as one of the country’s best young joiners, Ahmed Shakir will now have hopes of earning the chance to replicate this on a worldwide scale.

Jonathan Hemingway, Director at Abrahams & Carlisle, commented: “Since beginning his journey at Bradford College and starting his apprenticeship with us, Ahmed has shown natural ability and outstanding dedication.

“We’re incredibly proud and can’t wait to support him with this next step. He’s definitely got a bright future!”

The talented joiner’s journey with Bradford College started back in 2021, enrolling onto a Carpentry & Joinery course and progressing through both Level 1 and 2. Following this, in 2023, he began his apprenticeship at Abrahams & Carlisle. Throughout this period of time his skills and confidence have both grown, leading to an ever-growing list of achievements.

Bradford College is proud to support the continued success of apprentices like Ahmed and remains committed to delivering industry-leading apprenticeship training. With strong partnerships and expert-led teaching, we are able to provide apprentices with the foundations needed to excel in their chosen careers.

If you’re interested in an apprenticeship to equip you with real-world skills, hands-on experience, and direct industry connections, visit the dedicated Bradford College Apprenticeships page. You can read more about the full WorldSkills UK Squad shortlisting, ahead of Shanghai 2026, here.