Latest news with #EuroSkills2025
Powys County Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Powys: Rhayader cook on Team UK for EuroSkills 2025
A 20-year-old Powys student will join six other Welsh competitors later this year as part of Team UK at EuroSkills 2025. Gabrielle Wilson, from Rhayader, will compete at Europe's largest skills competition being held in Denmark in September. Team UK consists of 19 competitors from across the UK, with Wales making up an impressive 37 per cent of the team. Their participation highlights Wales' commitment to excellence in vocational skills and underscores the nation's ability to compete at the highest level on the European stage. Gabi was introduced to WorldSkills UK Competitions through her college, NPTC Group of Colleges, and quickly discovered a love for competing. After being awarded Highly Commended at the National Finals in 2023, her dedication and talent earned her a place on Team UK for EuroSkills Herning 2025. Gabi will be competing in the cooking competition against Europe's best. She said: 'I'm proud to represent both my college and Wales. Competing has really helped me with time management and organisation, but my favourite part is learning new skills and seeing the standard of competition up close.' Gabi continued: 'It's a great way to develop your skills in a live environment. I got the opportunity to work for a professional chef, which is something I couldn't have got in the classroom. I love being in a competition atmosphere. It really motivates me, and I'm excited to see where I stand among my European peers.' Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app Competitions in Wales are delivered by Inspiring Skills, a Welsh Government-funded initiative dedicated to promoting vocational excellence. Through Skills Competition Wales and international training support, it helps young people develop expert skills, gain confidence, and represent Wales on international stages. EuroSkills is a vital stepping stone toward the ultimate stage – WorldSkills Shanghai in 2026, often dubbed the 'skills Olympics'.
Pembrokeshire Herald
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Haverfordwest Welding apprentice set to shine at EuroSkills
A TALENTED 18-year-old apprentice from Haverfordwest is set to represent Team UK at EuroSkills 2025, Europe's largest skills competition. Taking place in Denmark this September, Team UK consists of 19 competitors from across the UK, with Wales making up an impressive 37% of the team. Their participation highlights Wales' commitment to excellence in vocational skills and underscores the nation's ability to compete at the highest level on the European stage. Currently an apprentice at Haven Engineering and a student at Pembrokeshire College, Luke Roberts began his competition journey with Skills Competition Wales, where he claimed a silver medal in the Welding competition. His talents didn't go unnoticed, with him shortly after progressing to the WorldSkills UK National Finals in Manchester, earning a Highly Commended title and catching the attention of national trainers. Following an intense round of pressure tests where candidates were scored not just on their welding skills, but also technique, time, and finish, Luke was officially selected for EuroSkills. Luke said: 'It was such a tight decision between me and another really talented welder to go to EuroSkills. We were so close in skill, but I scored slightly higher on the pressure test. 'I was buzzing when I found out I was heading to Denmark. It'll be my first time on a plane, and I get to go with my training manager, Carl. It's amazing the places you get to travel with skills competitions. If I'm lucky enough to qualify for WorldSkills International competitions, I'll get to go to Shanghai!' Luke's journey has already taken him far, personally and professionally, by helping him believe in his abilities and develop in his industry. He continued: 'Competing has helped my confidence massively. You meet loads of new people, learn to weld using different processes like TIG, aluminum and stainless, and it's a huge boost to your CV. It makes you stand out.' Now preparing for EuroSkills in Herning, Denmark, Luke is training alongside his national teammates and forging friendships across the UK. He said: 'The networking opportunities throughout my skills competition journey have been endless. I'm currently working alongside a guy from Grimsby for EuroSkills who I'd never met before, but we get on like we've known each other for years. While he admits the reality of EuroSkills 'hasn't quite hit', Luke is excited to be part of something so big. He continued: 'In Manchester I put a lot of pressure on myself, but this time I just want to enjoy it, stay calm, and do my best. I've already learned so much about myself through this.' Luke credits his college lecturers and training mentors for helping him progress. 'My employer has been brilliant and allowed me to do additional training in work hours. College and work have been a huge support, and we've had such a laugh along the way.' 'I'd definitely encourage others to give it a go. It's been a great experience, I've got to travel, make new friends, be more qualified in my skill and also have boosted my CV too. It's so worthwhile.' Competitions in Wales are delivered by Inspiring Skills, a Welsh Government-funded initiative dedicated to promoting vocational excellence. Through Skills Competition Wales and international training support, it helps young people develop world-class skills, gain confidence, and represent Wales on a global stage. Looking ahead to the future, Luke is focused on giving his all at EuroSkills Herning 2025, with the ultimate goal of a place at the global WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, often dubbed the 'skills Olympics'. He hopes his journey will inspire more young people in Wales to believe in their capabilities and enroll in skills competitions. To start your skills competition in Wales and for more information on how you can get involved as a competitor, employer or skills champion, go to:
North Wales Chronicle
01-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales duo to represent UK in EuroSkills competition
Evan Klimaszewski and Yuliia Batrak have been selected to compete against the best in Europe. They will travel to Herning, Denmark in September to compete in EuroSkills 2025. Evan, who is studying for a Higher National Certificate in Engineering at Coleg Menai's Llangefni campus, will compete in the electronics category. Evan Klimaszewski (Image: Supplied) Yuliia, who studies Level 3 Professional Cookery at Coleg Llandrillo's Rhos-on-Sea campus, will compete in restaurant service. Both students have been selected by WorldSkills UK following their success in national skills competitions. Evan and Yuliia are part of the UK training squad preparing for WorldSkills 2026 in Shanghai. Following their participation at EuroSkills, they will continue to compete for a place in Team UK for next year's 'Skills Olympics' in China. After months of competition and selection processes, Evan and Yuliia now face the last crucial months of their intensive training programme for EuroSkills Herning 2025. EuroSkills, taking place from September 9 to 13, is Europe's largest skills competition. It will also be a crucial litmus test to measure the UK's readiness to compete on the global stage at WorldSkills 2026. Yuliia Batrak (Image: Supplied) WorldSkills UK uses its participation in EuroSkills to promote skills excellence across the UK and embed world-class training standards. Ben Blackledge, WorldSkills UK Chief Executive, 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 turbo-charge their careers." He added: "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." Lifelong learning company 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. 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."
