Jamaica’s Brandon Brown won gold in optoelectronic technology at the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, sharing the top honour with the competitor from South Korea.

This was announced by the HEART/NSTA Trust in a social media post on Sunday.

“This is a landmark moment for Jamaica and a powerful reflection of what can be achieved through skills, preparation, dedication and teamwork. Brandon’s achievement is the culmination of the hard work of the WorldSkills Jamaica team of delegates, experts and support personnel, combined with the quality training and preparation provided through the HEART/NSTA Trust,” it wrote.

The HEART/NSTA Trust said the achievement represents the strength of Jamaica’s technical and vocational talent and the commitment to preparing competitors to compete at the highest level.

“Brandon, you have made Jamaica proud! Congratulations to Brandon Brown and everyone who played a part in this historic achievement. Gold for Jamaica,” it added.

Young skilled professionals from around the world gathered in Shanghai to showcase vocational excellence and advance skills exchange and development.

The 48th WorldSkills Competition began on September 22 and is set to conclude on Sunday, September 27.

This marks Jamaica’s first gold medal at WorldSkills, the Caribbean’s first gold medal, and just the second gold medal for the Americas.

Even more impressive is that Brandon’s victory is the first Gold Medal for the Americas in the Optoelectronic Technology category.