The heat is on for WorldSkills competitors
18th June 2026
UK: This year’s RACHP WorldSkills UK competition for apprentices will see 18 competitors battling it out at next week’s InstallerShow at the NEC, Birmingham.
The competitors, who are looking to reach the final in Wales in November, range in age from 18 to 41, making it the most age diverse competition to date.
The qualifying event will test the apprentices’ skills in real-life scenarios including fault finding/diagnosis, fabrication, and the service and maintenance of technical equipment as well as everyday skills like time management and organisation.
They will be required to complete two tasks lasting two and a half hours each. One will involve the replacement of components and electrical testing, and the other will focus on refrigeration pipework fabrication including pressure testing.
This year’s competitors and their employers/colleges are:
Alex Huggins, Cotswold Vale Refrigeration, Bath College
Connor Gibson, J L Harrison, College of North West London
Elton Emmanuel, Royal Engineers
Hamish Anderson, Taranis, Bath College
Henry Evans, Royal Engineers
Jack Sweeney, Royal Engineers
Jacob Boughton, Coldtech, Northumberland College
Jacob McLean, Setpoint22, Total People
James Burns, Trane UK, City of Portsmouth College
Kaya Yanik, Sparks Mechanical Services, Total People
Kian Ferns, Technical Retail Services, Glasgow Kelvin College
Lewis Johnson, Allcool NW, Total People
Louis Harris, Carrier, College of North West London
Luka Singh, Royal Engineers
Luke Russell, Atlas Services Solutions North, Total People
Martin Oates, CPA Engineered Solutions, Glasgow Kelvin College
Prajwal Dulal, Royal Engineers
Sanam Ningleku, Royal Engineers
The top six will go forward to compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals at the UK final in Wales this November.
Competitors under 21 at the time of the final and who score above average will also be considered for the UK’s international squad preparing to compete at the 2028 Skills Olympics in Aichi, Japan.
Kevin Morrissey, technical director of competition organiser, the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), said of the event: “This demonstrates the strength of emerging talent in our industry, and I would like to congratulate all 18 who have made it this far.
“The apprentices are all excited to put their skills to the test in a high‑intensity, competitive environment, while gaining valuable experience and learning from others. Many say they are looking forward to stepping out of their comfort zones, meeting like‑minded competitors, and benchmarking themselves against peers with the same drive to succeed,” he added.
