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A 19-year-old spray painter has been selected for the Team UK Long Squad for the 2026 WorldSkills World Finals. will now train to compete at the event in Shanghai, China, next September. She is one of four apprentices who will be personally coached and closely monitored by the WorldSkills Training Team.
Teagan secured her place after a series of three-day assessments at The Eye Box in Coventry and Warwick University over the last five weeks. This achievement adds to her growing list of accolades, including a bronze medal at the UK WorldSkills Finals in Bolton last October. She also became the first Fix Auto UK representative to be recognised by the Institute of the Motor Industry, receiving a £1,500 bursary to aid her training.
Teagan said: "I am completely lost for words. "I really couldn’t be happier, and I can’t thank the team at Fix Auto Newport, in particular my mentor Alex Braddon and our manager John Bowler, enough for all the support they’ve given me. "While I have made the Long Squad, there’s still a lot of work, training, and preparation to do before the final decision on who goes and competes in Shanghai is made.
"All I can do is to give it my best shot possible." Ian Pugh, managing director of the Advantage Group of Companies, which Fix Auto Newport is part of, said: "It really is an incredible achievement and credit must be given to Teagan and those who’ve closely supported her through this long journey. "I’ve said this many times before, but as every year passes, we manage to write a new chapter for the organisation.
"It is so apt that, at a time where we are celebrating our 20th anniversary, we can celebrate our first ever Team UK WorldSkills representative. "Fingers crossed, Teagan will go all the way and compete in Shanghai." John Bowler, manager at Fix Auto Newport, added: "Teagan’s dedication and enthusiasm for the job is inspirational.
"To be recognised by the IMI was an incredible achievement and was a first, not only for Fix Auto Newport, but for the entire Fix Auto UK organisation and we couldn’t be prouder. "Now, she’s taken her achievements to that next level by making Team UK for the WorldSkills." Richard Wheeler, WorldSkills UK training manager for car painting, said: "Just like the other three competitors, Teagan has worked tremendously hard to get to this stage of the final selection process.
"I’m now looking forward to working closely with them over the next 18 months, during which time we will select our final competitor who will fly out and compete in Shanghai. "All I can say is, best of luck to Teagan.".
