UHI Moray apprentices selected to train for the Skills Olympics

Liam Patterson from Elgin and Kalum Low from Lossiemouth are setting out on a journey of a lifetime after being selected for the training programme aiming to take part in the ‘Skills Olympics’ in China from the 22-27 September 2026.

Both SECTT electrical apprentices train at UHI Moray.  Kalum is employed by MS Electrical and Renewables, Lossiemouth while Liam is employed by Walkers Shortbread in Elgin. Following their success, they will undertake an 18-month intensive training programme aiming to be selected for the team to represent the UK at the Skills Olympics in 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. 

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.   

Congratulations to Liam Patterson and Kalum Low on being selected for our training programme for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Together with the other members on our programme, Liam 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.

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK 

I am delighted to reach this far and be part of #SquadUK. I would like to thank my employer at Walkers shortbread in Elgin, especially my boss Ross Cameron for all the support they offer. I would also like to thank the electrical department at UHI Moray for getting me to this stage in the competition. Hopefully I can absorb all the training I receive from Chris Turnbull, my Worldskills Training Manager and get an opportunity to represent my employer, UHI Moray and the UK at the Worldskills final in Shanghai 2026.

Liam Patterson 

I am so pleased to have come this far in the Worldskills journey and be part of #SquadUK. I would like to thank my employer Mike Smith of MS Electrical and Renewables, Lossiemouth, for all the support they offer. I would also like to thank the electrical department at UHI Moray for all the training I received with the national qualifier leading onto the Worldskills Skillelectric UK final. This is an excellent opportunity for me and hopefully to represent my Employer, UHI Moray, SECTT and the UK at the Worldskills final in Shanghai 2026.

Kalum Low

Kalum and Liam have done UHI Moray and SECTT proud. I am delighted with their progression, both demonstrating dedication to their work and studies for being selected for the training programme to become part of Worldskills UK squad. I wish them all the best and it would be fantastic to see them on the world stage, representing the UK, at the Worldskills final in China 2026.

Iain McBean, UHI Moray electrical lecturer

Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Shanghai, which takes place from 22-27 September 2026.