Alumni Success: Ben Langford qualifies for WorldSkills 2026 in Shanghai

We are delighted to share some fantastic news from one of our past students, Ben Langford, who continues to achieve at the very highest level in his field.

Ben received exciting confirmation this week that he has secured his place at WorldSkills 2026, where he will represent Ireland this September in Shanghai, China. This remarkable achievement follows a demanding and highly competitive journey, culminating in a recent playoff which Ben won to claim his spot on the national team.

Ben’s pathway to this success has been anything but straightforward. Having already won the All-Ireland competition in 2025, he faced an unexpected setback when Ireland did not send a team to the European stage in 2026. Undeterred, Ben showed immense resilience and determination by competing again, keeping his hopes alive. Ultimately, a playoff between the two national champions decided who would go forward—and Ben rose to the occasion.

Competing in the specialised field of Mechanical Engineering CAD, Ben has demonstrated exceptional technical skill, precision, and commitment. He is currently completing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Munster Technological University, making this international opportunity a fitting and inspiring culmination of his college journey.

Ben’s story is a powerful example of perseverance, resilience, and dedication paying off. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and look forward to following his progress on the world stage.

We wish Ben every success as he prepares to represent Ireland in Shanghai—an experience that promises to be both rewarding and unforgettable.