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Ministers Lawless and Harkin hail Team Ireland's medal success at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
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From: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Team Ireland has returned from WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 with a bronze medal, seven Medals for Excellence and a series of standout performances against the world's best young skilled professionals, marking one of the country's strongest showings at the prestigious international competition.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and Minister of State for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD, have congratulated Team Ireland following a strong showing at the world's largest skills competition.
Competing against more than 1,400 competitors from 68 countries and regions, Ireland's 16-strong team demonstrated excellence across a wide range of disciplines, securing a Bronze Medal in Cookery for Charlie Ward, who was also named Ireland's Best of Nation. The team also earned seven Medals for Excellence, recognising competitors who achieved world-class standards in their respective skills.
The results follow months of intensive training and preparation, with Irish competitors testing their abilities against the best young talent from around the globe.
Last week, Minister Lawless attended WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, where he met Team Ireland competitors, their families, experts and supporters, and witnessed first-hand the skill and talent that underpinned Ireland's success.
Minister James Lawless TD said:
"I was delighted to see Team Ireland achieve such strong results at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Having met the competitors, their families and the experts supporting them during my visit last week, I saw first-hand the dedication and hard work that brought them to this stage.
"Charlie Ward's Bronze Medal in Cookery and recognition as Ireland's Best of Nation are wonderful achievements, while the seven Medals for Excellence secured by Irish competitors reflect the talent and high standards being demonstrated across a range of skills.
"What impressed me most was the pride and professionalism with which the entire team represented Ireland. These young people have shown what can be achieved through commitment, training and ambition, and they should be immensely proud of their success. They are outstanding ambassadors for Irish skills, apprenticeships and further education, and an inspiration to others considering these pathways."
Minister of State Marian Harkin TD said:
"I would like to warmly congratulate every member of Team Ireland on their achievements in Shanghai. To compete at WorldSkills is a remarkable accomplishment, and the success of our competitors highlights the quality of Ireland's skills system and the opportunities available through apprenticeships and further education pathways.
"These young people have represented Ireland with distinction and should be immensely proud of what they have achieved. Their success will inspire others to pursue rewarding careers through skills and apprenticeships."
Team Ireland's success at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 underscores the growing importance of skills development, apprenticeships and further education in addressing future workforce needs and supporting Ireland's economic and social development.