A talented young joiner from Bradford is getting ready to take on the world after being handpicked for Squad UK – the national team training for WorldSkills 2026, the global showdown dubbed the “Skills Olympics.”
Ahmed Shakir, 21, who works for local firm Abrahams & Carlisle and studies at Bradford College, has already proved he’s one of Britain’s brightest young tradesmen after a dazzling performance at this year’s ‘SkillBuild’ competition.
Now, he’s preparing to swap Yorkshire for Shanghai, where the world’s top apprentices and students will battle it out in front of 250,000 spectators in the biggest vocational skills competition on the planet.
“I’m over the moon,” Ahmed said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. The training will be tough, but I’m going to give it everything.”
Ahmed is one of just four joinery apprentices selected for the UK squad and will now undergo 18-months of intense training, guided by industry experts and former champions.
WorldSkills 2026 will see 1,500 competitors from more than 80 countries go head-to-head in 30+ skills ranging from digital tech and engineering to construction and hospitality.
“After proving himself as one of the country’s best young joiners, Ahmed will now get the chance to do it all over again- this time on a global scale,” said Ben Blackledge, CEO of WorldSkills UK.
“This is about excellence, ambition, and showing what British talent can achieve.”
Ahmed’s journey started just three years ago, when he joined Bradford College’s joinery course. He completed his Level 1 and 2 qualifications before landing an apprenticeship with Abrahams & Carlisle in 2023. Since then, he hasn’t looked back.
“They’ve been amazing,” Ahmed said. “They helped me prepare for SkillBuild, even took my tools all the way to Milton Keynes. I wouldn’t be here without their support – and Bradford College has backed me from day one.”
His boss, Jonathan Hemingway, couldn’t be prouder. “He’s got real talent and the drive to match it,” he said.
“He’s going places – and we’re behind him all the way.”
Now, with his eye on the prize, Ahmed is determined to make the most of the opportunity. “Shanghai is a long way from Bradford,” he laughed. “But if I can bring home a medal, it’ll all be worth it.”
