Skilled individuals set to compete at UK National Finals

Over 115 talented young people will fly the flag for Welsh education and training on the UK’s biggest stage for vocational skills competitions this November.

From Aircraft Maintenance in Deeside to Beauty Therapy in Pembroke Dock and Wall and Floor Tiling in Cardiff young people from across Wales will be putting themselves to the test in 37 different categories, across the SkillBuild and WorldSkills UK National Finals.

Taking place between the 19 and 22 November, the successful competitors will be striving for gold, silver and bronze medals, and the opportunity to represent the UK at the next Skills Olympics in 2026 in Shanghai.

The SkillBuild competitions, hosted at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes, consists of 10 disciplines, and is the largest and longest running multi-trade competition in the UK for construction apprentices and learners. Whilst the WorldSkills UK National Finals will see over 400 young people come together across 45 skills in the Greater Manchester region.

Across the two UK National Finals, Team Wales will represent 22% of the UK National Finalists.

Paul Evans, Inspiring Skills Excellence project director said:

"Everyone who participated in qualifying heats has demonstrated so many transferable skills, from performance under pressure and resilience, to time management, we've seen it all. We are immensely proud of Team Wales and their drive to reach excellence.

Congratulations and Good Luck to those who have been selected to represent Wales at the UK National Finals, I look forward to seeing you in the finals".

 Throughout the competition there will be opportunities for visitors and competitors to meet employers and industry experts giving advice and guidance to help them along their career or educational paths.

Last year’s Joinery Gold Medallist, Steffan Thomas said;

 “Skills competitions were a real eye-opener for me. They let me show off my talents and prove to companies what I’m capable of.”

The WorldSkills UK competition-based development programmes are designed by industry experts so that young people, including those with learning disabilities or additional needs, can get work-ready.

The finals will showcase the best of the best working under pressure and with confidence and provide opportunities for young people to develop work ready skills.

 Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Welsh Government Minister for Energy, Economy, and Welsh Language Jeremy Miles, said:

 “As a nation we believe in investing in future generations, and skills competitions are an effective way to increase engagement and give young people the tools they need to build strong careers.

"The successes we celebrate annually from our competitors demonstrate the talent and potential in Wales while highlighting the quality instruction and training they receive. Competition significantly increases the delivery and development of skills throughout the nation.

"The WorldSkills programme and the Skills Build competitions help produce a workforce fit for the future by allowing young people to master practical skills competitively while also showcasing their potential on a global stage.”

UK National Finalists List