Isle of Man apprentices shone at the 2026 Pan-Island Skills Test, scooping six first place titles.
On Friday, University College Isle of Man (UCM) hosted the 2026 Pan-Island Skills Test, sponsored by Dandara, Haldane Fisher, Monument Tools, Buchanan & Pitts and Electrical Design Solutions, and in partnership with Tilgear and Construction Isle of Man, welcoming talented apprentices from Jersey, and Guernsey for a day of spirited competition and skills showcase.
During the event, which was held during National Apprenticeship Week, the top 36 apprentices from the three islands competed in a range of disciplines against each other and the clock, with the public and employers in attendance to witness the next generation of skilled professionals in action.
The winners were James Smith from UCM (Brickwork), Jake Devereau from UCM (Carpentry & Joinery), Shantelle Thorpe from UCM (Electrical Installation), Ruby Kennedy from UCM (Land Management), Kieran Halsall from UCM (Motor Vehicle, Treljah Norris from UCM (Painting & Decorating) and Charlie Hart from Highlands College (Plumbing).
With Freddie Kermode (UCM), Chris Dudek (Highlands College), Luke Le Cras (TGI Apprenticeships), Jake Wilson (UCM), John Le Huray (TGI Apprenticeships), David Fraser (Highlands College), Skye Gardner (TGI Apprenticeships), Thomas Draper (TGI Apprenticeships), Tyler Nelson (Highlands College), Nathan Clague (UCM), Daniel Martin (UCM), Joe Lavender (UCM), Thanaphat Thuamthong (UCM) and Eben Le Poidevin (TGI Apprenticeships) taking 2nd and 3rd place in their respective disciplines.
Sam Warren, Head of Faculty at UCM, commented:
'We are incredibly proud of all the apprentices who took part in this year’s Pan-Island Skills Test. Their dedication, talent and professionalism were on full display, and it was inspiring to see such a high standard of work across all disciplines. Congratulations to all the winners and participants!'
The Pan-Island Skills Test continues to highlight the importance of vocational education, earn-while-you-learn training and the strength of collaboration between the islands.
