South West College former plumbing apprentice set to represent Team UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
South West College part-time lecturer and former plumbing apprentice Andrew McCann from Aughnacloy is preparing to take to the world stage as he joins Team UK in the Plumbing and Heating competition at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China.
Andrew is one of just 28 competitors chosen to represent Team UK across 25 skill competitions at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, having been selected and trained in skills excellence by WorldSkills UK in partnership with Pearson, the world’s lifelong learning company.
Widely regarded as the ‘Skills Olympics’, WorldSkills is the world’s largest international skills competition, bringing together approximately 1,400 competitors from more than 70 countries and regions. Taking place from 22-27 September, the event provides a global platform for talented young professionals to showcase their expertise, compete against the best in the world and demonstrate the value of technical and vocational skills.
Andrew’s journey to the world stage began at South West College, where he studied Plumbing and Heating before qualifying as a plumber and heating engineer. Today, alongside running his own business, AMC Plumbing and Heating Services, he is helping to inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople as a part-time lecturer at the College.
His selection for Team UK follows years of dedication and success in skills competitions. Andrew earned a Medallion for Excellence at EuroSkills Herning 2025 before progressing through a demanding programme of technical, professional and performance-focused training in preparation for WorldSkills Shanghai.
Throughout this journey, Andrew has been supported by his lecturers, employer, family and WorldSkills UK Training Manager Ronnie Ferris. Their guidance and mentorship have played a pivotal role in developing the technical excellence, confidence and competitive mindset required to compete on the world stage.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Andrew said:
“Representing Team UK at WorldSkills Shanghai is an incredible honour and a proud moment for me. My journey started as an apprentice at South West College, and I never imagined it would lead to competing at this level.
“The support I have received from my family, colleagues, South West College and WorldSkills UK has been incredible, and I am excited to travel to Shanghai and represent Northern Ireland as part of Team UK.
“Competing against some of the best young professionals in the world will be a fantastic experience and a great opportunity to learn, challenge myself and showcase the skills I have developed throughout my career.”
Marcy Doherty, Andrew’s colleague and former lecturer at South West College, said:
“Andrew has always demonstrated outstanding commitment, professionalism and a determination to succeed. From his time as an apprentice, it was clear that he had a genuine passion for the trade and a willingness to continually develop his skills.
“It has been fantastic to watch his progression from apprentice to qualified professional, business owner, lecturer and now a Team UK competitor. His success highlights the opportunities that can be achieved through further education, apprenticeships and hard work.
“Andrew is a fantastic ambassador for the College, the plumbing industry and Northern Ireland, and we wish him every success in Shanghai.”
Celine McCartan, Principal and Chief Executive of South West College, said:
“We are incredibly proud to see Andrew representing Team UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. His achievement reflects not only his talent and dedication, but also the strength of technical and vocational education in helping individuals reach their full potential.
“WorldSkills provides an unrivalled opportunity to showcase skills excellence on the international stage, and we wish Andrew and the entire Team UK delegation every success in Shanghai.”
