Skilled renewable energy engineer is on road to China
Glasgow Clyde College student, and HF Mechanical and Electrical Renewable Energy Engineer, Jude Magee is setting out on a journey of a lifetime, in an intrepid bid to do the UK proud on the international stage at the ‘skills olympics’ in China.
Following Jude's success in the renewable energy national skills competitions, WorldSkills UK, in partnership with Pearson, has announced that he will join its 18-month intensive training programme. Jude is aiming to be selected for the team that will represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai in September 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.
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to Jude Magee on being selected for our training programme for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Together with the other members on our programme, Jude Magee 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.”
Jude Magee from HF Mechanical and Electrical and a student of Glasgow Clyde College: said: "I am delighted with my progress to date and the opportunity and time WorldSkills UK has invested in me, with the support of both my employer and Glasgow Clyde College. I am excited about the next 18 months to develop and enhance my skill set further, aiming to successfully gain a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become part of Team UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026."
Barry Faichnie, Curriculum Manager, Glasgow Clyde College, said: "We are extremely proud of Jude Magee and his achievements in the WorldSkills Renewable Energy discipline. Jude is an inspiration to us all; his commitment and drive is exceptional. We look forward to the next 18 months as Jude embarks on his journey towards WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Jude, along with other talented individuals, will be honing skills that drive innovation and growth. This event in Shanghai offers a unique opportunity to collaborate and learn from the best, showcasing the excellence our students at Glasgow Clyde College can achieve on a global stage."
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.
Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Shanghai, which takes place from 22-27 September 2026.
Image shows Jude Magee