Former Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) apprentice Kalem Redmond is preparing to represent Ireland at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai this September.
Kalem will compete in the Automobile Technology category at the world’s largest international skills competition, which takes place from 22 to 27 September 2026, bringing together the most talented young professionals from across the globe to compete in a wide range of technical and vocational disciplines. The event also brings together industry, education and government leaders to promote excellence in technical and vocational education and training.
The Headford, Co. Galway, native secured his place on Team Ireland after being nominated by TUS to compete in the WorldSkills Ireland National Competition in September 2025. While undertaking Phase 4 of his apprenticeship at TUS’s Athlone campus, he won the Automobile Technology category, earning the opportunity to represent Ireland at WorldSkills Shanghai.
He is now completing the final phase of his apprenticeship with Connolly Motor Group.
Over the coming weeks, Kalem will continue an intensive training programme in preparation for the international competition. His preparation includes advanced technical training, together with visits to leading automotive manufacturers, suppliers and industry partners, helping him further develop the specialist knowledge and practical skills required to compete at the highest international level.
Kalem Redmond said:
“I’m incredibly proud to have the opportunity to represent Ireland at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai. Winning the Automobile Technology category at the WorldSkills Ireland National Competition was a huge milestone, and after months of preparation I’m excited to compete against the best young automotive technicians from around the world.
I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me on this journey. I’m especially grateful to the team at TUS for nominating me for the WorldSkills Ireland National Competition and for the support and encouragement they gave me throughout that journey. I’m also very grateful to everyone who has supported and encouraged me throughout my apprenticeship and my WorldSkills journey. Representing Ireland at WorldSkills is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ll be giving everything I have in Shanghai, and I hope to make everyone who has supported me proud.”
James McPhillips, Engineering Apprenticeship Coordinator at TUS, said:
“Kalem’s WorldSkills journey began at TUS when we nominated him to compete in the WorldSkills Ireland National Competition. We were proud to nominate, support and prepare him for that competition, where his outstanding performance earned him the opportunity to represent Ireland on the world stage. His success reflects not only his exceptional technical ability, but also his professionalism, dedication and commitment to continuous improvement. Representing your country at WorldSkills is one of the highest honours in technical skills education, and everyone at TUS is immensely proud of what Kalem has achieved. We wish him every success as he prepares for Shanghai.”
Alan Duffy, Head of Department of Civil Engineering and Trades at TUS, said:
“Kalem’s achievement reflects his dedication, talent and commitment, and is thoroughly deserved. On behalf of everyone in the Department of Civil Engineering and Trades at TUS, I wish Kalem every success as he prepares for the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai. We know he will be an outstanding ambassador for Ireland.”