Wales is set to host the WorldSkills UK National Finals for the first time ever – and the countdown begins today with a torch relay celebrating the nation’s rising young talent.
The Roadtrip to Excellence torch relay will light the way as it travels the length and breadth of Wales, celebrating the very best of our learners, apprentices, employers and educators.
Beginning on October 9th at the iconic Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay, the torch will journey across Wales, visiting every region, stopping at colleges and training providers whose students are set to compete in the Finals.
At each stop, the torch will be welcomed with a unique community celebration. In Bridgend and Newport, colleges will showcase their cutting-edge facilities by using state-of-the-art 3D printers to create replicas of the torch, while in North Wales, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Coleg Cambria will stage processions and world-class demonstrations from previous EuroSkills competitors in Restaurant Services and Aeronautical Engineering.
The Pierhead event also welcomes home and celebrates the achievements of the 7 Welsh competitors who represented the UK at EuroSkills in Herning, Denmark – making up an impressive 37% of the UK squad.
The relay will culminate at Bridgend College before the National Finals begin, uniting young people, tutors, employers and communities in a shared moment of inspiration.
This year, Wales will be represented by 131 competitors – the highest number the nation has ever had. Welsh competitors will make up around 30% of all entrants across the UK, reflecting both the breadth of skills talent in Wales and the impact of investment in training and facilities across the country.
Wales also leads the way in the number of competitors entering WorldSkills UK’s Foundation competitions, which are tailored for young people with additional learning needs (ALN) to develop practical skills and improve their employability prospects.
Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Jack Sargeant said the torch relay will capture the spirit of a “proud moment for our nation”:
“The torch relay will bring communities across Wales together in celebration of our incredible young people. This is a proud moment for our nation – not only are we hosting the WorldSkills UK National Finals for the first time, but we are sending 131 young people – our biggest ever team of competitors.
“It’s a chance to showcase the outstanding talent, tutors and facilities that are helping to secure Wales’ economic future.”
One example is 22-year-old Tamzin Brewer, who reached the WorldSkills UK National Finals in 2024, competing in CNC Milling. After studying Mechanical Engineering at Coleg Sir Gar and completing a three-year advanced manufacturing apprenticeship with CBM Wales, Tamzin is now a Junior Technician at CBM Wales, based at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
Reflecting on her journey, Tamzin said:
“Competing in the WorldSkills UK national finals has been an incredible experience. CNC milling is still a very male-dominated industry, so being here shows that there’s space for women to succeed and push boundaries in advanced manufacturing.
“I’ve learned so much from this competition; not just about technical skill, but also about resilience and confidence. I hope my journey inspires more young women to see engineering and CNC machining as an exciting and rewarding career path.”
Stephen Lloyd, Senior Manager of the Paint Shop at Aston Martin, supports the company’s apprenticeship programme at St Athan and oversees its training cohort for skills competitions. He said: “We started entering our apprentices into Skills Competition Wales and were delighted to achieve a medal in the Manufacturing Team Challenge in our first year of competing.
“It’s generated real interest across Aston Martin, with colleagues recognising the benefits these competitions bring – both for the apprentices’ development and for the business. It demonstrates the strength of our training programmes and the calibre of talent we’re developing at Aston Martin.”
The WorldSkills UK National Finals bring together hundreds of the UK’s most talented apprentices and learners across 45 disciplines from engineering, digital and health to hospitality, construction and the creative industries.
Hosting the Finals in Wales for the first time shines a spotlight not only on the country’s cutting-edge training facilities, such as the new centres of excellence at Bridgend College and Coleg Gwent, but also on the skills and ambition of its young people – the workforce of the future.
To follow the torch’s journey around Wales, follow Tîm Cymru / Team Wales on social media – and keep an eye on individual college socials to see when it’s coming to your area.
For more information on Skills Competition Wales and WorldSkills UK and how to start your journey as a competitor, tutor or employer in Wales, visit https://inspiringskills.gov.wales/.