Latest news with #SkillsCompetitionWales
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:
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Welsh talent makes up over a third of Team UK at EuroSkills
To read this article in Welsh, click here. An impressive set of seven highly trained competitors studying in Wales will form part of Team UK at Europe's largest skills competition this September. Of the 19 individuals selected from across the UK, a remarkable 37% come from Welsh further and higher education institutions, showcasing the nation's growing strength in vocational excellence. Selected and trained by WorldSkills UK in partnership with Pearson and Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales, they now face their final months of preparation before taking on Europe's best across a range of technical and vocational disciplines. Up to 600 talented young participants from all over Europe will compete for European Championship medals in 38 different skills in Denmark. Let's meet the Welsh contingent... Tomas Ankers At just 17, Tomas from Wrexham is the Welsh team's youngest competitor and is competing within the metalwork and manufacturing industry. He works and studies at Electroimpact and Coleg Cambria. He said: 'Working as an apprentice alongside doing the competitions has hugely benefitted me. I'm really enjoying learning new techniques and gaining so much experience in a high-pressured but supportive environment.' Yuliia Batrak Since moving from Ukraine three years ago, Yuliia, who lives in Colwyn Bay, has made an extraordinary impression, winning two Gold medals at Skills Competition Wales and WorldSkills UK. The 19-year-old is based at Grwp Llandrillo Menai (Coleg Llandrillo) and will compete in the restaurant services category. She said: 'Winning a gold medal at the WorldSkills UK was the best moment of my life. The opportunities I've been given include work experience at the Ritz and Gleneagles and I can't wait to represent Wales at the European finals.' Evan Klimazsewski Evan, aged 18, from Holyhead, studies at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and is an apprentice at Lockheed Martin. He won Gold in both Welsh and UK competitions and will compete in electronics. He said: "Being an apprentice has given me invaluable skills which have been crucial in training for the competition. I'm excited to see how I measure up against competitors from across Europe.' Melody Cheung Melody, 19, began her journey with a Bronze medal at Skills Competition Wales last year before being selected for Team UK. Hailing from Abergwynfi, she is studying at Bridgend College and will be competing in graphic design. She said: 'Being selected was a surprise, but I'm thrilled, and it just goes to show you shouldn't ever give up on yourself. The competitions have helped me handle pressure and improve my technical skills.' Luke Roberts From silver in Skills Competition Wales to Highly Commended nationally, Luke's progress has been rapid. The 18-year-old from Haverfordwest studies at Pembrokeshire College and works with Haven Engineering. He will compete in welding. He said: 'Skills competitions have built my confidence and broadened my experience. College and work have been a huge support, and it's a great thing to have on my CV. I'm really looking forward to making Wales proud.' Finn Gallagher Finn's journey started just 18 months ago after responding to an advert for the qualifiers for the UK nationals. Placing joint third, he was selected for EuroSkills. Aged 19, from Salisbury, he attends Cardiff University and will be competing in web technologies. He said: 'I've been able to network with people from lots of different industries who are equally passionate about their trade. This experience has also helped me land a part-time job and an internship, which is fantastic for my career." Gabrielle Wilson Competing over two years, Gabi, 20, was recognised with a Highly Commended award at the UK finals for her hard work and dedication. Hailing from Rhayader, she attends NPTC Group of Colleges and will compete in cooking. 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.' 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 the global stage. For these Welsh competitors, EuroSkills Denmark is not only a once in a lifetime opportunity but also a vital stepping stone toward the ultimate stage – WorldSkills Shanghai in 2026, often dubbed the 'skills Olympics'. To start your skills competition journey, or to support as an employer or mentor, visit
Leader Live
15-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
MS shares touching personal story following VE Day
MS for Delyn As I mentioned in my previous column, there were nationwide celebrations to mark the anniversary of VE Day last week and I was privileged to attend the Holywell VE Day event on Thursday. VE Day marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe – on May 8, 1945, communities across our area and throughout the UK celebrated the end of a long and devastating conflict in Europe. My own lovely and much-missed nana, then aged just 17, was part of a VE Day celebration in Primrose Street in Connah's Quay – you can see her in the photo I've published on my Facebook page at Many of us took part in events during the week and at the weekend to reflect on the sacrifices made and the peace secured eight decades ago, but at the same time we must collectively commit to learn from the past and strive together towards peace – and let us remember the courage of those who served and the resilience of those who rebuilt. From Skills Competition Wales to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, learners across Wales are proving their talent, drive and ambition, including three from Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, with one representing Renewable Energy from Coleg Llandrillo's Rhyl campus. Also our very own Coleg Cambria has a finalist in the EuroSkills Herning 2025 competition for Team UK, which will be held in Denmark in September. These competitions don't just showcase skills they build on them, inspiring the next generation to reach higher and meet the demands of future industries like net zero tech. In the Senedd last week, I asked the Welsh Government what discussions have taken place about encouraging colleges across Wales to participate in the WorldSkills competition to help meet the needs of industry. It's important for young apprentices in Wales to have the opportunity to test themselves against their peers – and it's great for our tech industries too. On a similar note, I'd like to wish pob lwc to all those taking their exams this summer. May is the start of the GCSE and A-level exam period and I want to wish everyone taking part in these assessments the best of luck. I know students across the country will be revising for their exams and this can be a time of great stress and anxiety for young minds – exams can be a challenging time and the pressure to do well can feel overwhelming. It's perfectly normal to feel worried about exams, but it's important that you find ways to manage your worries. If you're a student about to start exams or a parent or guardian concerned about the exams, you might find these tips useful from Place2Be – the children's mental health charity – go to for help and advice. I recently had the chance to meet with Holywell Town Council alongside my parliamentary colleague Becky Gittins MP to discuss the March announcement by Santander Bank that it's planning to close their Holywell branch in August, leaving the town with no high street banking facilities at all. Bank closures are challenging for people who don't use computers or smartphones to do their banking and especially for the older generations who rely more on high street facilities. It's vital that we don't simply cut these people off and so I support the introduction of 'banking hubs' like the one recently opened by the Post Office in Flint, in which you can pay in cheques and cash and pay bills. Holywell needs something similar, as do many other areas affected by bank closures. Finally, I had the chance at the weekend to pop in to Mold's newest high street addition – Cracked Coffee – on its opening day. Cracked Coffee has been operating online for a while and the company's ethical approach to trading and work to support our local communities has been a success story here in North Wales and it was great to see the company open its first town centre coffee shop – and taste their delicious coffee! It's important that we support our local high street shops and the Welsh Government's £100m Transforming Towns initiative goes some way to help our towns to develop the kind of local businesses that provide for visitors and residents alike. As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don't hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don't need to wait for an advice surgery.
