A Coleg y Cymoedd student, and previous Skills Competition Wales medalist, from Caerphilly has won a bronze medal at EuroSkills, after flying to Gdańsk in Poland to compete in Europe’s biggest vocational education and skills excellence event.
Ruben Duggan, age 21, was participating in the Plumbing and Heating category at EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023, the bi-annual European competition hosted by WorldSkills.
Over 600 competitors travelled to Poland from across Europe to showcase their technical knowledge and capabilities in a series of challenges in a bid to be crowned best in their field.
In addition to Ruben’s bronze medal success, two Welsh students were also awarded Medallions of Excellence, which recognises the achievement of world class standards.
Rhydian Brown, aged 19, from Wick, who studies at Cardiff University, was awarded a Medallion of Excellence in Web Development.
While Daniel Davies, aged 21, from Aberporth, who works at the restaurant Yr Hen Printworks and studied at Coleg Ceredigion, was awarded the same honour in the Restaurant Service category.
Speaking about his experience taking part in EuroSkills and other skills competitions, Ruben said:
“Competing in EuroSkills has been the most positive experience I could’ve wished for.
“Flying out to Gdańsk to compete against the best in my trade has been amazing. Not only have I learned so much, but my tutor has too, as this is the first time he’s had a student get to EuroSkills.
“Conventional education wasn’t my strongest area, and I think skills competitions are an amazing opportunity to show your potential in a practical way; it helps to give everyone an even playing field for success.
“It feels unbelievable to have the bronze medal. I didn’t go to Gdańsk to win a medal – taking part was key for me – so holding the medal in my hands feels absolutely brilliant. WorldSkills Lyon 2024 is my next challenge. Bring it on.”
Ruban’s skills competition journey began with winning Bronze at the 2020 Skills Competition Wales heat - the regional competitions run in Wales by the Inspiring Skills project. A pathway to competing on a national level, Ruban was also crowned the UK’s top plumbing apprentice at the 2022 HIP Apprentice of the Year competition.
The Welsh Government Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething, said:
“I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to Daniel, Rhydian and Ruben for their successes at EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023. It’s fantastic to see their dedication, hard work and talent recognised on a global stage, and they should be incredibly proud of their achievements.
“The Welsh Government is committed to investing in our future generations and funding skills competition programmes is one of many ways we’re providing our young people with opportunities to develop world-class skills to give them the tools they need to build successful careers in the future.”