Five learners from two Welsh work-based learning providers are preparing to compete at the WorldSkills UK National Finals, which are being hosted by Wales for the first time from November 25 to 28.
The UK’s flagship skills competition will bring together more than 400 talented apprentices and learners across 47 disciplines – from engineering, digital and health to hospitality, construction and the creative industries – at five venues.
Those who impress under pressure might be selected to represent the UK on the international stage at the “Skills Olympics” in Japan in 2028.
Wales will be strongly represented, with 120 young people from across the country having earned their place following standout performances in qualifier heats. Of the national finalists, 29% will be made up of Welsh competitors – an increase from last year’s impressive one in four.
Included in the Welsh line-up are Maddie Groves, 20 and Lauren Gunning, 30, AAT apprentices with Cardiff-based ACT, who will be competing in the Accounting Technician team final.
Yusuf Asif, Natalia Siwy and Mairah Taj, Jobs Growth Wales learners at Itec Skills & Employment’s Cardiff Centre, will be competing in the Foundation Skills Enterprise team final. Mairah is now working towards a Health & Social Care Level 1 qualification at Cardiff and Vale College.
Maddie, who works for Green and Co, Cwmbran and Lauren, an ACT learner journey officer who supports AAT apprentices, are both working towards a Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) in Professional Accounting.
They will compete over two days at the Atrium at the University of South Wales, Cardiff where they will be given a brief which involves making a presentation and achieving an accounting task.
Lauren has already achieved Levels 2 and 3 AAT apprenticeships because she wants to have the knowledge to best support apprentices on their learning journey.
ACT apprentices achieved a bronze medal in last year’s Accounting Technician final and accountancy tutor Nerys Hiscocks is backing Maddie and Lauren to win gold this year.
“I think they are going to do really well because they have a lovely bond and work well together,” said Nerys.
“They complement each other and I fully believe they can win gold.”
Hannah Kane-Roberts, Itec Skills & Employment’s Cardiff Centre manager, said it’s the first time learners from the company have entered the WorldSkills UK and she’s delighted that the team has reached the national finals.
Yusuf, Natalia and Mairah have worked together on an enterprise project to create sustainable products created from recycled or upcycled materials. In the final, to be held at Cardiff and Vale College on November 28, they will present the products on a trade stand and use marketing materials or social media posts to promote their enterprise.
They will present these items as if at a real market event, using marketing materials such as posters or social media posts to promote their enterprise. Throughout the activity, they will demonstrate teamwork, creativity, communication, and professionalism while being judged on their stand design, product quality and pricing, customer interaction, and marketing effectiveness.
“They deserve to win because they work well together, communicate effectively and have been really supportive with the development of their product,” added Hannah.
“The product idea is strong and they have come up with a logo that is quite quirky. I am really proud of the learners and to get to the national finals is absolutely amazing.”
Other Welsh learners are being encouraged to begin their journey towards next year’s WorldSkills UK Finals by entering Skills Competition Wales, registration for which is open from November 24 to December 5 at https://inspiringskills.gov.wales/ .
Paul Evans, Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales project director and Lisa Mytton, National Training Federation for Wales strategic director, are encouraging more work-based learning providers and their apprentices register this year.
“We wish the five learners from ACT and Itec Skills & Employment every success in the finals,” said Lisa.
“They are role models for the work-based leaning sector, inspiring more Welsh learners, apprentices, employers and training providers to recognise the value and benefits of national, European and world skills competitions.”
Paul added:
“Work-based learning providers play a vital role in developing skilled apprentices across Wales. Many of their learners go on to achieve success at the WorldSkills UK National Finals, often starting their journey through Skills Competition Wales.
“I would encourage more providers and apprentices to get involved this year and make the most of the opportunities these competitions offer.”
