Students from Southern Regional College have once again achieved outstanding medal success at the 2025 WorldSkills UK National Finals.
This success has seen the College secure a second-place finish on the WorldSkills UK leader board for the second consecutive year, with the College continuing its top two poll ranking position amongst Colleges and Universities across the UK for the past four years.
This year saw College competitors dominating within the categories Mechatronics and Automotive Refinishing.
Ross Graham (22) from Banbridge and Carter McKnight (22) from Moira secured the gold medal in Mechatronics, elevating their bronze medal success from the prior year.
Ross is currently undertaking the Engineering BEng level 6 degree at the College’s Newry campus with Carter furthering his knowledge on programmable logistics
controllers within the College having completed his Engineering (Mechatronics) Level 5 Foundation Degree during the summer.
Mechatronics gold winners
Apprentice Jack Harvison (19) from Dungannon achieved the gold medal in Automotive Refinishing on his debut national finals.
Jack is undertaking the Vehicle Accident Repair Paint Principles Level 3 Apprenticeship at the College’s dedicated Portadown training facilities.
Also securing medals were Matthew Conn (21) from Waringstown and Phillip Fee (28) from Dromore both in Automation, currently in the second year of the Engineering (Mechatronics) Level 5 Foundation Degree at the Portadown campus.
Body Repair apprentice Joseph Cullen (20) from Portadown secured a further win within the Automotive Panel Repair category.
All achieved bronze medals in their respective categories, with these finals being their first experience on the national stage.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College commented: “For Southern Regional College to secure second place on the WorldSkills UK national leader board is an incredible achievement and a testament to the dedication, talent, and resilience of our students and staff.
Matthew Conn (left) and Philip Fee (right)
“To be ranked in the top two for four consecutive years shows not only consistency in excellence but also a deep commitment to preparing our learners with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a competitive world.
“I could not be prouder – this recognition reflects their hard work, creativity, and unwavering drive to succeed.”
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to all those who participated in the WorldSkills UK national competitions.
“They have demonstrated their skills at the highest level and these exceptional young people represent the future of our economy. They are the new generation of highflyers that will give UK employers a competitive edge.
“Our competitions, based on global standards, play a vital role in developing the skills that will drive investment, create jobs, and fuel economic growth.”
Over 400 finalists competed in 40 different skills categories across four venues in Wales from 25-28 November, with medallists being announced in glittering ceremony at the ICC Wales on Friday 28 November.
