RWE is proud to announce that apprentice Madeleine Warburton has been selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Often described as the “Skills Olympics”, the world’s most talented apprentices and young professionals compete in tests of skill, precision and innovation.
Madeleine is in the third year of her NVQ Level 3 Wind Turbine Technician apprenticeship with RWE, working on the Sofia offshore wind farm project operated out of the Royal Docks in Grimsby. She will compete in the ‘Renewable Energy’ category as part of Team UK this September. Her selection reflects both her outstanding technical ability and the strength of RWE’s training and development programmes in offshore wind.
Chosen, mentored and trained by WorldSkills UK, Madeleine joins an elite group recognised as being at the very top of their fields. Competing against the best from over 80 countries, Team UK will demonstrate world-class skills across a range of disciplines, including renewable energy, 3D games design, car painting, health and social care, and bricklaying. Each event is a demanding test of technical excellence, accuracy and endurance.
Madeleine Warburton, RWE Offshore Wind Turbine Technician Apprentice, commented: “Being selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is an absolute honour, and I’m incredibly proud to be doing it as an RWE apprentice. When I started my wind turbine technician apprenticeship at RWE, I never imagined it would lead to competing on a global stage, and my managers and mentors have been so supportive throughout my WorldSkills journey.
I’m passionate about renewable energy and the role offshore wind plays in tackling climate change, and I hope my journey shows other young people that there are amazing opportunities in this industry. I can’t wait to get out to Shanghai to demonstrate my skills and make everyone proud.”
WorldSkills is the global benchmark for skills excellence, where countries showcase the talent that will power future industries and economic growth. This year’s competition in Shanghai is expected to attract more than 250,000 visitors, as well as government representatives, major employers and education leaders from around the world.
Madeleine’s selection is the culmination of several years of hard work. She has progressed through regional and national WorldSkills UK competitions, followed by intensive technical and performance training in the UK and overseas. In the final months leading up to Shanghai, she will continue a rigorous preparation programme to ensure she performs at her best on the global stage.
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK, said: “Congratulations to Madeleine on being selected for Team UK; it is a huge achievement and a proud moment for RWE. At a time when developing future talent is more important than ever, Team UK shows just how important it is to have young professionals in the workforce.”
RWE is one of the UK’s largest power generators, with a diverse portfolio spanning offshore wind, onshore energy, solar, hydro and gas-fired generation. Through its apprenticeship and early careers programmes, RWE is investing in the workforce of tomorrow, equipping individuals with the skills to deliver a secure, sustainable energy system. RWE will welcome 20 new Offshore Wind Technician apprentices in 2026, training the next generation of offshore wind specialists to support the UK’s expanding clean energy infrastructure.
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 takes place from 22–27 September and will feature around 1,500 young people competing from over 80 countries.