Wales on the World Stage: Why WorldSkills UK 2025 Matters

As Principal of Cardiff and Vale College, I’ve always believed in the transformative power of vocational education. But this year, that belief feels more tangible than ever. Cardiff will welcome the WorldSkills UK National Finals 2025 shortly—a first for Wales, and a moment that will leave a lasting legacy for our learners, our institutions, and our nation.

WorldSkills isn’t just a competition. It’s a celebration of excellence, resilience, and ambition. It’s where the best young talent from across the UK comes together to showcase their skills in everything from digital media and plumbing to culinary arts and cyber security. And now, for the first time, Wales is centre stage.

At Cardiff and Vale College, we’re proud to be one of the host venues. The buzz around our campuses is electric. Students are asking questions, colleagues are sharing stories, and there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Hosting WorldSkills here isn’t just about logistics—it’s about inspiration. It’s about showing our learners that their skills matter, that their hard work is recognised, and that they belong on a national platform.

What makes this even more special is the incredible representation of Welsh talent. This year, more than 100 young people from Wales have qualified for the finals and we’ll be hosting 18 different competitions. That’s not just impressive; it’s historic. It proves that our young people are not only capable but thriving. They’re competing at the highest level, and they’re doing it with pride, passion, and professionalism.

For Wales, this is a chance to redefine how we talk about education. Too often, vocational pathways are seen as secondary to academic ones. But WorldSkills flips that narrative. It shows that technical skills are not just valuable—they’re vital. They’re the backbone of our economy, the engine of innovation, and the key to unlocking opportunity for thousands of young people across the country.

And let’s not forget the ripple effect. Hosting WorldSkills brings visibility, investment, and energy to our region. Local businesses get involved, schools take notice, and communities rally behind their competitors. It’s a moment of unity—a shared celebration of what we can achieve when we believe in our young people.
I’ve seen first-hand how competitions like this can change lives. I’ve watched students discover confidence they didn’t know they had, forge friendships across borders, and push themselves to new heights. The training, the mentoring, the preparation—it all builds character. It teaches discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These are not just competition skills; they’re life skills.

For Cardiff and Vale College, this is also a chance to showcase our commitment to excellence. We’re investing in state-of-the-art facilities, built strong industry partnerships, and cultivated a culture where ambition is nurtured. Hosting WorldSkills is a reflection of that ethos. It’s a statement that says: we believe in our learners, and we’re ready to help them shine.

But beyond the medals and the media coverage, the real impact lies in the stories. We have 14 competitors in the WorldSkills UK Finals, including four who are competing in their second Finals; David Morgan in Aircraft Maintenance, Belal Al Haka and Owen Thomas in Automotive Body Repair and Travis Huntley in Wall and Floor Tiling. These are the stories that matter. These are the stories that will echo long after the finals are over.

As we count down the days to November 25–28, I feel a deep sense of pride—not just in our college, but in our country. Wales is ready. We’re ready to welcome the UK’s top talent, to celebrate their achievements, and to show the world what we’re made of.

So, to every young person watching from the sidelines: this is your moment. Whether you’re competing, volunteering, or simply cheering from the crowd, know that you’re part of something bigger. You’re part of a movement that values skills, celebrates effort, and believes in your potential.

WorldSkills UK 2025 is more than an event. It’s a catalyst. And for Cardiff, for Wales, and for our young people—it’s just the beginning.