17-07-2025
West Wales students ready for WorldSkills National Finals
Of the 120 strong Welsh students entering this year's WorldSkills national final, 20 are from west Wales, with 15 of these being from Pembrokeshire.
Among them is 17-year-old Elara Jones from Cardigan who is competing in the Beauty Therapy Practitioner competition.
Elara won a Gold Medal at the Skills Competition Wales competition in March this year in Beauty Therapy Practitioner level 3 category.
The Coleg Ceredigion student also won bronze in the beauty therapy category in last year's national finals and has achieved silver medals at levels one and two in Skills Competition Wales.
'Winning gold at Skills Competition Wales and now being selected for the WorldSkills UK National Finals shows that all the hard work and effort I've put in has really paid off,' said Elara.
'I'm so pleased, it feels like everything I've done has been building up to this moment, and it means a lot to see it all lead to something so exciting.'
This year's national final will be held in Wales for the very first time this November.
The UK's flagship skills competition will come to several Welsh venues allowing the country shine on the national stage.
With 417 competitors taking part from across the UK and 47 finals planned, this event is not just a contest but a nationwide celebration of world-class vocational and technical training.
Wales will be strongly represented; a record breaking 120 young people from across the country have earned their place following standout performances in qualifier heats.
This means 29 per cent of the national finalists will be Welsh competitors; an increase from last year's already impressive one in four.
Competitors will demonstrate their abilities in a wide range of disciplines, including 3D Digital Game Art, Aircraft Maintenance, Health and Social Care and Culinary Arts. Those who impress under pressure might be selected to represent the UK on the international stage at the 'Skills Olympics' in Japan in 2028.
Minister for culture, skills and social partnership Jack Sargeant said: 'These competitions show the real-world value and applications of apprenticeships and are invaluable in futureproofing our economy.
'I am proud Wales is hosting the WorldSkills Finals UK 2025. We have a beautiful country, and I hope all visitors will take some time to explore it.
'I wish this new cohort of competitors pob lwc – I know you'll do yourselves and us all proud.'
For more information on WorldSkills UK and how to start your journey as a competitor, tutor or employer in Wales, visit
