Isle of Man apprentices shone at the 2026 Pan-Island Skills Test, scooping six first place titles.
On Friday, University College Isle of Man (UCM) hosted the 2026 Pan-Island Skills Test, sponsored by Dandara, Haldane Fisher, Monument Tools, Buchanan & Pitts and Electrical Design Solutions, and in partnership with Tilgear and Construction Isle of Man, welcoming talented apprentices from Jersey, and Guernsey for a day of spirited competition and skills showcase.
During the event, which was held during National Apprenticeship Week, the top 36 apprentices from the three islands competed in a range of disciplines against each other and the clock, with the public and employers in attendance to witness the next generation of skilled professionals in action.
The winners were James Smith from UCM (Brickwork), Jake Devereau from UCM (Carpentry & Joinery), Shantelle Thorpe from UCM (Electrical Installation), Ruby Kennedy from UCM (Land Management), Kieran Halsall from UCM (Motor Vehicle, Treljah Norris from UCM (Painting & Decorating) and Charlie Hart from Highlands College (Plumbing).
With Freddie Kermode (UCM), Chris Dudek (Highlands College), Luke Le Cras (TGI Apprenticeships), Jake Wilson (UCM), John Le Huray (TGI Apprenticeships), David Fraser (Highlands College), Skye Gardner (TGI Apprenticeships), Thomas Draper (TGI Apprenticeships), Tyler Nelson (Highlands College), Nathan Clague (UCM), Daniel Martin (UCM), Joe Lavender (UCM), Thanaphat Thuamthong (UCM) and Eben Le Poidevin (TGI Apprenticeships) taking 2nd and 3rd place in their respective disciplines.
Sam Warren, Head of Faculty at UCM, commented: “We are incredibly proud of all the apprentices who took part in this year’s Pan-Island Skills Test. Their dedication, talent and professionalism were on full display, and it was inspiring to see such a high standard of work across all disciplines. Congratulations to all the winners and participants!”
The Pan-Island Skills Test continues to highlight the importance of vocational education, earn-while-you-learn training and the strength of collaboration between the islands.
Sponsors & Partners
Thank you to our generous sponsors and partners who have made this event possible:
Category Sponsor for Brickwork - Dandara
Founded in 1988, Dandara is a leading independent property development and construction company with deep roots in the Isle of Man. For more than three decades we have delivered homes and commercial projects which provide value for money without compromising quality or durability. Our Island team is committed to creating developments that support local communities and long term sustainability. We are proud to sponsor the Pan Island Skills Test and to champion emerging talent. Supporting skills and education reflects our ongoing commitment to the Isle of Man and to the future of our industry.
Website: www.dandara.com
Category Sponsor for Carpentry & Joinery - Haldane Fisher
Haldane Fisher is a leading independent builders’ merchant on the Isle of Man, supplying trade professionals and the general public with a comprehensive range of building materials and services. Operating from branches in Douglas and Ramsey, the business provides timber, building supplies, roofing, landscaping, plumbing, bathrooms, and renewables, supported by expert advice and reliable local service. Founded in 1946 by Bob Haldane, Haldane Fisher remains committed to the personal service of a family-run business. As part of the wider Haldane Shiells Group, which includes Haldane Fisher NI, Haldane Fisher England, and GE Robinson & Prowood, it forms part of a twenty-branch network across the UK.
Website: www.haldane-fisher.com
Category Sponsor for Plumbing - Monument Tools
Monument Tools is an innovative, UK based, 5th generation family-owned company which designs, manufactures, and markets professional quality tools for plumbing, roofing, and drainage under the Monument brand and via OEM. Monument Tools sells to trade and DIY through selected wholesale, builders & plumbers’ merchants, retail, and export partners. #AskForMonument
Website: www.monument-tools.com
Category Sponsor for Painting & Decorating - Buchanan and Pitts
Buchanan & Pitts are a well-established government registered painting & decorating company. The company has grown to become a business built on recommendations, & repeat customers are part of our success. As one of the Islands leading decorating companies, we have been renovating people's homes & offices for almost 50 years! You can rest assured that we have the manpower & skill to meet the tightest of deadlines on the most challenging of projects.
Website: www.buchananandpitts.im
Joint Category Sponsor for Electrical Installation - EDS Electrical Design
Electrical Design Solutions (EDS) are trusted electrical contractors based on the Isle of Man, delivering expert residential, commercial, and renewable energy solutions. We pride ourselves on quality workmanship, reliability, and a team that genuinely enjoys what they do - because the best results come from people who take pride in their work and love what they do. We’re proud to support our local community through the work we do and the relationships we build. From smart home upgrades to full project management, we approach every job with skill, attention to detail, and a commitment to getting it right.
Website: www.eds.im
Joint Category Sponsor for Electrical Installation - Gough Electrical
Arthur and Jeff Gough opened Gough Electrical in Ramsey in 1977, and it now employs over twenty fully qualified electricians and designers to meet every need from complicated bespoke electrical installations to routine safety checks. Gough Electrical is still a family firm – but with an extended family of employees, many of whom began as apprentices, and happy customers who come back time after time. Gough Electrical is proud of its reputation as a reliable, approachable electrical contractor where no job is too large or too small, and its designers – all electricians themselves - keep up with the latest trends in ‘intelligent design’.
Website: www.goughelectrical.co.uk
In Partnership with Construction Isle of Man
We represent the Isle of Man's construction industry. We are here to work together with the government, consultants, contractors, developers, tradespeople and the general public to develop and promote this exciting and growing sector. It is our goal to help the industry in any way we can.
Website: www.constructioniom.im
In Partnership with Tilgear
TILGEAR is situated in Standon, Hertfordshire. We have been, for over the last 50 years and still are, serving craftsmen, engineers and tradesmen and the Education and Training sector. We understand your needs and our policy continues to be one of selling top quality tools at the best possible prices. We are constantly searching out and assessing new and alternative products from around the world.
Website: www.tilgear.info