Wales has celebrated a landmark achievement in vocational education, hosting the prestigious WorldSkills UK National Finals for the first time and delivering a record-breaking medal haul for the nation.
A Historic Host and Unprecedented Success
From November 26 to 28, South Wales became the epicentre of UK skills excellence as over 400 of the country's top apprentices and learners competed across five venues. The competitions spanned more than 40 skill areas, including engineering, digital, hospitality, construction, and the creative industries.
The event was preceded by the inspiring Team Wales Torch Relay, which journeyed across the nation to unite colleges and communities in celebration of practical skills. This set the stage for an exceptional performance from the home team.
Dominating the Medal Table
At the official medal ceremony held at ICC Wales on Friday, November 28, the scale of Welsh success was revealed. Team Wales secured a phenomenal total of 57 medals, dominating the league table for the UK's top 10 educational institutions.
The detailed medal count was impressive: eight Gold, nine Silver, 13 Bronze, and 12 Highly Commended awards. Furthermore, the team excelled in Foundation Skills competitions, earning an additional 15 medals, highlighting Wales's commitment to inclusive skills development.
This year, Wales was represented by 122 competitors – its highest number ever, making up around 30% of all UK entrants. This reflects both the depth of talent in Wales and the impact of sustained investment in training and facilities.
Competitor Pride and Future Ambitions
The competitors themselves expressed immense pride and a renewed drive for their futures. Robert Jones, gold medallist in Aircraft Maintenance, stated his determination paid off after previous silver success. "Representing Wales makes me so proud," he said, "and my goal now is to keep developing and hopefully travel with work to showcase my skills around the world."
Anisa Abdin, highly commended in Beauty Therapy, shared how the experience transformed her confidence. "A year ago, I wouldn't have believed I'd be here," she admitted. "My dream now is to progress to Level 4 and one day open my own salon - this experience has shown me that anything is possible."
Leadership Praise and Economic Impact
Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant extended huge congratulations, calling it a "proud moment for our nation" that highlights the dedication of competitors and the quality of vocational training in Wales. He reaffirmed the commitment to creating opportunities for world-class recognition.
Ben Blackledge, chief executive of WorldSkills UK, praised all participants, stating they "represent the future of our economy." He emphasised that these high-flyers, trained to global standards, provide UK employers with a competitive edge and fuel economic growth.
In a parallel achievement, nine Welsh heat winners competed in the SkillBuild National Finals in Milton Keynes, the UK's largest multi-trade construction competition. They brought home a silver and a bronze medal in Wall and Floor Tiling.
Medallists from the WorldSkills UK finals now have the chance to join Squad UK and represent their country at future global WorldSkills competitions, taking Welsh talent onto the international stage.
