Young Galway talent will be on the road to Shanghai

A HEADFORD man is set to represent Ireland on the world stage later this month after being selected to compete at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Often referred to as Skills Olympics, the international event takes place in China from September 22-27, bringing together more than 1,400 competitors from over 70 countries and regions across 64 different skill areas.

Kalem Redmond is one of 16 young Irish competitors selected to represent Team Ireland. He will be taking part in the Automobile Technology competition.

Having started out working in a local tyre centre, the 22-year-old went on to pursue an apprenticeship and has since trained with Volkswagen Group Ireland and MG Ireland, as well as competing internationally in China.

For Kalem and those competing in Shanghai, the journey began long before stepping onto the international stage, with competitors undertaking intensive preparation and honing their skills against some of the best young talent in Ireland.

Apprenticeship opportunities

Before heading to China, Kalem will be among the Irish talent showcased at WorldSkills Ireland 2026, which returns to RDS Simmonscourt in Dublin for three days, September 16-18.

The event will bring together young people from across Ireland to experience the breadth of skills and career opportunities available through apprenticeships, further education and training.

Speaking about how taking part in WorldSkills Ireland helped his career, Kalem stated: “It has improved my knowledge, allowed me to meet new people within the trade and given me new processes to use in the workplace.”

Visitors to the RDS will have the opportunity to see Ireland’s future skilled workforce in action, discover different career pathways and get hands-on with a wide range of skills.

For more information about next week’s event visit www.worldskillsireland.ie.