A Grimsby-based apprentice helping maintain RWE’s Sofia offshore wind farm has earned international recognition at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, often described as the world's "Skills Olympics".
Madeleine Warburton, an Apprentice Wind Turbine Technician for RWE, represented Team UK in the Renewable Energy category, competing alongside some of the world's most talented young professionals and apprentices. Her selection followed years of dedication, training and successful progression through first regional and then national WorldSkills UK competitions.
Following several intense days of competition, Madeleine was awarded a WorldSkills Medal for Excellence, which recognises competitors who achieve an international standard of excellence in their discipline.
In a fiercely contested competition, Madeleine narrowly missed out on a bronze medal by just one point, underlining the exceptional standard of her performance on the world stage.
Working from RWE's base in Grimsby, Madeleine is part of the next generation of technicians supporting Sofia, one of the UK's largest offshore wind projects. Her achievement reflects both her personal commitment and the world-class skills being developed across the Humber's growing renewable energy sector.
Madeleine Warburton said: "Representing the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai has been one of the proudest moments of my life. To come home with a Medal for Excellence is something I'm incredibly proud of, and to be able to say that I'm fourth in the world at something is very surreal to me! The whole experience has given me the chance and confidence to go out of my comfort zone, learn so much about the renewable industry, meet amazing people from around the world and develop skills that will stay with me throughout my career. The chance to represent the UK, RWE and the offshore wind industry on the world stage has been a huge honour."
Throughout her apprenticeship, Madeleine has balanced competition preparation alongside her day-to-day responsibilities working within the offshore wind industry. Her performance demonstrates the opportunities available to young people entering renewable energy through apprenticeships and technical training.
Neil Elliot, Production Manager, Sofia Offshore Wind Farm said: “Everyone at RWE is immensely proud of Madeleine and everything she has achieved. To represent the UK at WorldSkills is an extraordinary accomplishment, and to return home with a Medal for Excellence is a fantastic testament to her talent, dedication and professionalism. She has been an outstanding ambassador for RWE, apprenticeships and for the Humber's renewable energy industry.”
As she returns home from China following the competition, Madeleine leaves Shanghai with international recognition, a WorldSkills Medal for Excellence and an inspiring story for future apprentices considering a career in renewable energy.
RWE continues to invest in apprenticeship and early careers programmes, helping to develop the next generation of engineers, technicians and renewable energy specialists who will support the UK's growing clean energy infrastructure.
Pictures of for media use are available at the RWE Media Centre.