Daniel McCabe

Champions Trust Regional Representative for Europe

Born in Chester, England, Dan McCabe is Vehicle Artist at Cloud Imperium, an international independent game company based in Manchester, UK. Long before realising he could make a successful career out of it, Dan taught himself 3D art. He later went on to enrol for an A-level 3D Game Design college course, according to the UK’s qualification system. His tutor soon recognised his talents, kick-starting Dan's WorldSkills journey. 

Dan won gold at EuroSkills Gothenburg 2016, and then represented the UK at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. He was selected to be part of the WorldSkills Champions Trust in 2020 as representative for Europe, and he is now returning for the term 2023-24. In recent years, Dan has made several meaningful contributions to the WorldSkills movement. He motivated Competitors at EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 delivering a memorable speech during the Opening Ceremony. He also travelled to represent WorldSkills at WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition. 

“I didn’t even see problems before. Now, not only I am seeing them, but trying to solve them as well. For example, I can now clearly identify the bridge between education and industry in my field,” says Dan. 

Now 25 years old, Dan has been the voice of skilled youth at several international policymaking events, such as the Apprenticeship and the Digital Transition Symposium, organized jointly by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) and the OECD. 

Dan is grateful for the experiences he has gained as part of the Trust, and for the initiatives that have had a positive impact on other people. Dan is also raising awareness of mental health issues and the help available from the WorldSkills movement.

We interviewed Dan when he first joined the Champions Trust in 2020. The interview is archived and his views might have changed. 

When did you know that your skill lit a spark in you that other professions didn't?
It was when I first tried creating art digitally in 3D. Initially I was sceptical, as with 2D I had never been comfortable with drawing or found use from a brush. However, when I approached art in this new medium it clicked instantly. I was able to express myself using it, explore my imagination, and get creative in a way I had never experienced before.
 
What is your favourite WorldSkills memory?
Me and my best friend competed at the UK national final together representing our college. I remember standing outside the hall we were going to compete in the following day looking up at the sign. I was so excited for the competition, which at the time I didn’t realise would actually lead into years of life changing adventure.
 
Why is being part of WorldSkills important after your competition is over?
It’s such a huge part of who I am, whenever I am at an event or with people who are part of the WorldSkills family I feel at home. So, naturally I want to be there and make sure everyone involved is in high spirits and enjoying what is a life changing experience.
 
What would you tell your 12-year-old self about your future?
I would say nothing because of the whole butterfly effect thing. If I had to, I would tell him not to worry, do what he enjoys, and buckle up, because this is not going to go down how you expect it to. 
 

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