Shrewsbury Bricklayer Aims for Gold in Shanghai Skills Olympics

Joe Shingler, a bricklayer from Shrewsbury, is preparing to represent Team UK at the prestigious WorldSkills competition in Shanghai. This Olympics-style event for young tradespeople will take place from September 22 to 27, 2026. Shingler earned his spot by excelling in both regional and national contests. He discovered his passion for bricklaying at 15, inspired by helping his father construct a house.

The WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 event will host approximately 1,500 participants from more than 80 countries. Competitors receive their building tasks on the day, with a strong emphasis on precision. Judges will meticulously evaluate the brickwork for accuracy, level, plumb, and overall dimensions, docking points for any deviation from perfection. Shingler, 21, thrives on the competitive pressure that pushes him to constantly improve his skills.

Participants are allotted 22 hours over three days to complete their projects, with an anticipated audience of 250,000 spectators. College officials expressed pride in Shingler's selection, highlighting his hard work and exceptional talent. His instructors noted his standout abilities even at 16, anticipating his continued success on the international stage.