The countdown is on. In just a few weeks, the brightest emerging talent in Wales will step into the spotlight as Skills Competitions Wales launches its biggest year ever. With a record 65 competitions taking place across the country, learners from every region will put their skills to the test, challenge themselves in fast-moving industries, and gain the experience that will help shape their future careers.
All eyes then turn to 18 March, when the excitement culminates at the Skills Competitions Wales Awards at the Pavilion Theatre Rhyl. The ceremony is one of the major highlights of the year for the skills community, celebrating the achievements of learners, lecturers, assessors, training providers and employers who support skills excellence across Wales.
This year’s programme also builds momentum towards the WorldSkills UK National Finals, which will be hosted in Wales in 2026, giving Welsh learners the opportunity for the second year in the row to become a finalist and to compete on the national stage in Wales.
A big thank you goes to all of our sponsors as their support is invaluable in helping make the Award Ceremony the event it is today. .
GenPower
AAT: Association of Accounting Technicians
Castell Howell
WorldSkills UK,
City & Guilds
VTCT Skills
We also extend our thanks to the four Regional Skills Partnerships for their support of the Best in Region awards, ensuring that learners from every part of Wales feel recognised and celebrated in their local areas.
“Building a strong skills pipeline is central to the work we do on the project,” notes Paul Evans, Project Director. “The support of our sponsors is quite simply crucial to our success, enabling learners across Wales to take part in competitions, develop their skills, and prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Thanks to the commitment of our sponsors and partners, the 2026 awards will be an energetic and inspiring celebration of Welsh talent. Beyond the competitions themselves, the event highlights the clear skills pathways available to learners, from local opportunities right through to national and international skills stages.
A special thank you goes to Welsh Government for their continued support with the project allowing Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales to continue to have the opportunity to ensure learners are ready for the opportunities ahead and keeps Wales firmly at the forefront of skills excellence.