Apprentice wins Medallion for Excellence at skills Olympics

A Lancashire apprentice has won a Medallion for Excellence at the WorldSkills International Skills competition, also known as the Global Skills Olympics, in Shanghai.

Twenty-two-year-old painting and decorating apprentice Shelby Fitzakerly won the medallion as the UK team finished seventh out of 69 countries overall.

From Gisburn and a former pupil of Ribblesdale School, Shelby now works for SPAIN Building and Maintenance. She completed her completed her college-based training at Accrington and Rossendale College (ARC), through East Lancashire Apprenticeships (ELA), part of the East Lancashire Learning Group.

Medallions for Excellence were awarded to competitors who 'reached world class standards in their skill'.

Shelby said: "Winning a Medallion for Excellence is a feeling I'll never be able to fully explain, but it feels amazing.

“Representing the UK on the biggest stage in the world for skills is something I'll be proud of for the rest of my life.

"The messages of support I've received have been phenomenal, especially from my family and friends. Knowing so many people were behind me made this achievement even more special."

Shelby's Medallion for Excellence in Shanghai follows the same accolade she secured at EuroSkills 2025 in Denmark, making her one of the region's most decorated young professionals and a role model for aspiring apprentices across the region.

On the support Shelby has received from ELA and ARC, she said: "That support has helped me grow in confidence and develop the skills I needed to compete at the highest level.

“I'm really grateful to everyone who has helped me get here."

Andrew Parkin, ARC campus principal, said: "We are so proud of Shelby. To win a Medallion for Excellence at WorldSkills Shanghai, on the biggest stage in the world for skills, is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to her talent, determination and hard work.

“Shelby is a shining example of what apprentices can accomplish when world-class training meets genuine employer partnership.

“Her success shows the vital role our apprentices will play in driving the skills and economic growth of East Lancashire.

“She is an inspiration to every young person in our region."