Powys woman to represent UK in Europe's biggest skills competition

Powys County Times

29-04-2025

Gabrielle Wilson, from Rhayader, will compete in the cooking category at EuroSkills Herning 2025 in Denmark, taking place from September 9 to 13.
The competition will see 19 of the UK's top apprentices and learners take on the best from across Europe.
The team has been selected and trained in skills excellence by WorldSkills UK, in partnership with Pearson, the world's lifelong learning company.
The 19 competitors have already been through months of competition and selection processes and now face the last crucial months of their intensive training programme for EuroSkills Herning 2025.
Minister for Skills, Jacqui Smith, said: "Congratulations to all those chosen for the EuroSkills team, it's a fantastic achievement and a unique opportunity to showcase the strength of UK skills on the European stage.
"These young people represent the ambition and expertise being developed through our further education system, which is central to building a workforce fit for the future.
"High-quality skills are at the heart of our Plan for Change, helping to grow the economy and support people into good jobs.
"WorldSkills UK does vital work to raise standards and ambition across technical education."
WorldSkills UK uses its participation in the EuroSkills competition to promote skills excellence across the UK and embed world-class training standards.
EuroSkills Herning 2025 is also seen as a crucial litmus test to measure the UK's readiness to compete on the global stage at the WorldSkills Competition, known as the 'skills olympics', which takes place in Shanghai, China in September 2026.
The UK team will be competing in a variety of disciplines, including electrical installation, plumbing and heating, joinery, cabinet making, painting and decorating, mechatronics, industry 4.0, electronics, mechanical engineering CAD, CNC milling, web technologies, graphic design, welding, health and social care, hairdressing, cooking and restaurant service.
Ben Blackledge, chief executive of WorldSkills UK, said: "We are so excited to be supporting and nurturing this fantastic group of young professionals as they head for Denmark to compete.
"They will be tested to the highest standards, showcasing the skills that global employers are looking for, and will return to the UK with the knowledge and experience that will turbocharge their careers.
"EuroSkills is ultimately a test of how internationally competitive UK skills are.
"It gives us the impetus to raise standards at home and help more young people get high-quality jobs."
Freya Thomas Monk, managing director of Pearson Qualifications, said: "We are incredibly proud to support this inspiring group of young people as they prepare for the EuroSkills challenge this year.
"Celebrating the best of technical and vocational education and raising the prestige of the sector is very important to us.
"I wish Team UK the best of luck as they prepare to compete in Denmark in September."
Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for EuroSkills Herning 2025 and WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, following a successful partnership at WorldSkills Lyon in 2024.
In addition to Gabrielle Wilson, other Welsh competitors include Yuliia Batrak from Cardigan in restaurant services, Evan Klimazsewsk from Holyhead in electronics, Tomas Ankers from Wrexham in CNC milling, and Melody Cheung from Port Talbot in graphic design.
The competition will provide a platform for these skilled individuals to showcase their talents and represent the UK on the European stage.
The experience will also serve as a stepping stone for the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in 2026.