Kalem Redmond wins Medal for Excellence at WorldSkills Shanghai

The 48th WorldSkills Competition took place last week in Shanghai, where a number of young Irish professionals competed against their international peers across a wide range of vocational skills.

Galway-native Kalem Redmond represented Ireland in the Automotive Technology competition, having earned his place in Shanghai as the winner of WorldSkills Ireland 2025.

In Shanghai, Redmond achieved a Medal for Excellence, which denotes achieving world-class standards, and was ranked ninth overall in the Automotive Technology category.

He was one of six members of Team Ireland to win a Medal for Excellence at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

An automotive apprentice with Connolly’s Audi Galway, Redmond was nominated by Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) to compete at WorldSkills Ireland 2025, where he secured first place in Automobile Technology and earned the opportunity to represent Ireland at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

He was subsequently supported in his preparations for WorldSkills Shanghai by TU Dublin and Volkswagen Group Ireland.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland played a big role in Team UK’s performance in Shanghai. Oisin McKerr from Lurgan and Porters Bodyshop achieved a Bronze Medal for Car Painting.

Joe Wilton from Ballymena and SDM Paintwork picked up a Medal for Excellence in the Autobody Repair category.