Team South Africa came home from Shanghai with a silver lining thanks to Matthew Bowen’s world-class work on the serious business of keeping planes in the sky!
South Africa (01 October 2026) – South Africa’s Matthew Bowen was put through his paces among the best young technicians on the planet. The pressure was sky-high, but he came back with a silver medal around his neck and a Best of Nation award!
Matthew won his medal in Aircraft Maintenance at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China, which ran from 22 to 27 September 2026.
The event brought together young people, industry members, academia and government leaders to shine a light on the world’s best in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Team South Africa was well represented, with 29 young people competing across 27 skills categories, including Mechatronics, Plumbing and Heating, Refrigeration, Construction and Water Technology.
Competitors in Aircraft Maintenance were tested under time pressure on fault-finding, repairs, documentation and compliance with international aviation standards – all areas in which Bowen soared!
“Nothing would have been possible without the hard training of SA and Nicholson Helicopters. A tough journey, but all the while worth it. I encourage everybody to participate in the future, it’s truly a life-changing event!” Nicholson said, in conversation with WorldSkills.
Bowen’s win will go a long way in shifting perceptions about TVET colleges and inspiring more young people to pursue careers as artisans, which in turn supports South Africa’s infrastructure and economic development.
“We are encouraged by Team South Africa’s historic achievement,” said Tebogo Letsie, Chairperson of SA’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training. “This achievement on the global stage shows that we have some of the world’s best artisans, and we should be proud of these young people. They have demonstrated that hard work and discipline lead to excellence.”
“The TVET sector should take pride in this achievement and claim its rightful place as a producer of the skilled people who keep our industries running,” Letsie adds.
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