North Wales competitors strike gold at WorldSkills UK
Wales hosted the WorldSkills UK National Finals for the first time this week, marking a historic moment as more Welsh competitors took part than ever before.
More than 400 apprentices and learners from across the UK competed for the title of best in their trade at venues across South Wales between 26 and 28 November, covering over 40 skill areas from engineering and digital to hospitality, construction and the creative industries.
Team Wales achieved a total of 57 medals, including 2 Gold, 3 Silver, 4 Bronze and 2 Highly Commended awards for young people from North Wales. Competitors came from Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Coleg Cambria, and from employers such as Airbus UK, RWE and AGS Security Systems Ltd.
This year, 122 Welsh competitors took part, the highest number yet, making up around 30% of all entrants across the UK.
Robert Jones, gold medallist in Aircraft Maintenance, said: “After taking Gold at Skills Competition Wales and Silver at Nationals, I was determined to go for Gold this time. The experience has been invaluable – it’s helped me evaluate my skills, improve through feedback, and push myself to the next level. Representing Wales makes me so proud, and my goal now is to keep developing and hopefully travel with work to showcase my skills around the world.”
Zack Arnold, silver medallist in Renewable Energy, said: “Competing at the WorldSkills UK finals has been an incredible achievement. The electrical side of the competition was hands-on and tough, but pushing through has made me really proud. Representing Wales on a national stage means so much to me, and I’d love to take this even further to EuroSkills.”
Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant said: “I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to Team Wales on their outstanding success at this year’s WorldSkills UK National Finals.
“Hosting the Finals for the first time has been a proud moment for our nation, and the achievements of our competitors highlight their dedication and the exceptional quality of vocational talent we have here in Wales.
“We’re committed to supporting the next generation, creating opportunities for them to broaden their horizons and achieve world-class recognition. Congratulations again to every competitor and to the tutors, employers and families who supported them throughout this incredible journey.”
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, said: “Congratulations to all those who participated in the WorldSkills UK national competitions. They have demonstrated their skills at the highest level and these exceptional young people represent the future of our economy. They are the new generation of highflyers that will give UK employers a competitive edge. Our competitions, based on global standards, play a vital role in developing the skills that will drive investment, create jobs, and fuel economic growth.”
WorldSkills UK worked with the Welsh Government and Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales to welcome employers, industry experts and representatives from across the UK education and training sector to the event.
Medallists may now progress to Squad UK and represent their country at future international WorldSkills competitions.
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