Dreams to reality: two Grŵp Llandrillo Menai students selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

Known as the ‘Skills Olympics’, WorldSkills is where the world’s most talented apprentices and young professionals go head-to-head in a high-stakes battle of skill, precision and innovation.

As part of Team UK, the pair will be competing against the best from over 80 countries, showcasing their expertise in their chosen categories.

20-year-old Yuliia will demonstrate her skills in the Restaurant Services competition. Yuliia is studying for a Level 3 Diploma in Professional Food and Beverage Service at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhos-on-Sea campus. Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, she has studied at the college since 2022, after her family moved to North Wales following Russia's invasion.

“I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be selected to represent the country at the largest international competition in restaurant service,” said Yuliia. “I feel incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity.”

Joining her is apprentice Madeleine Warburton, also 20, competing in the Renewable Energy category. Madeleine started her Offshore Wind Turbine Technician Apprenticeship at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhyl campus in 2023.

Madeleine said: “Being selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is an absolute honour, and I’m incredibly proud to be doing it as an RWE apprentice with the backing of my tutors at Coleg Llandrillo in Rhyl.”

Yuliia (left) and Madeleine (right)

Selected, mentored, and trained for the team by WorldSkills UK, Yuliia and Madeleine now belong to a group of competitors at the very top of their fields. Their success reflects the strong foundation they have built at Coleg Llandrillo and the dedicated support and guidance from their tutors, serving as an example of the industry-leading standards set by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.

WorldSkills is globally recognised as the ultimate benchmark of skills excellence,

where nations go head-to-head to prove their ability to power future industries and economic growth.

Having two students selected to represent the UK on this global stage shows that as a hub for education and training in North Wales, the Grŵp is nurturing the next generation of global experts.

With this year’s event in Shanghai expected to attract 250,000 visitors, including worldwide industry leaders, the Grŵp’s role in elevating North Wales' reputation for vocational brilliance will be firmly in the spotlight.

Madeleine added: “I’m passionate about renewable energy and the role offshore wind plays in tackling climate change, and I hope my journey shows other young people that there are amazing opportunities in this industry.”

Yuliia and Madeleine have been preparing for this moment for a long time. Progressing through rigorous WorldSkills UK regional and national competitions, followed by intensive specialist training both in the UK and internationally. In the final months before Shanghai, they will both undergo further high-performance preparation to ensure they are ready to compete at the highest possible level.

“This journey began three years ago with a dream of reaching Shanghai, and it feels truly incredible to now see that dream becoming a reality,” said Yuliia.

Madeleine added, “I can’t wait to get out to Shanghai to display my skills!”

Coleg Llandrillo Principal Paul Flanagan said: “We are immensely proud of Yuliia and Madeleine on this outstanding achievement. To be selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills - competing against the very best in the world - is a remarkable testament to their talent, dedication and resilience.

“This success reflects not only their individual commitment, but also the exceptional skills development, teaching and support provided by our staff across the college. It demonstrates the truly world-class standard of vocational and technical education we are delivering here in North Wales, enabling our learners to compete - and succeed - on a global stage.

“We wish Yuliia and Madeleine every success in Shanghai. We are confident they will perform exceptionally well, and this experience will be a springboard not only for the competition, but for the exciting and impactful careers that lie ahead of them.”

Yuliia added: “A huge thank you to WorldSkills UK and Coleg Llandrillo for their continuous support and belief in me throughout this journey. I’m determined to give it my all and hopefully return to college with a medal to make everyone proud.

“I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready to give it my very best.”

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 takes place from 22-27 September and will feature around 1,500 young people competing from over 80 countries.

We wish Yuliia and Madeleine the best of luck!