News Story
Mar 2025 / Learners News
In the wake of last year’s successful WorldSkills competitions, Wales is already gearing up to host the event’s national finals for the first time later this year.
Skills Competition Wales – run by the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales project – is a platform for learners to compete in national and international events, showcasing their talents in a wide variety of vocations from childcare to electrical installation.
Already this year, competitions – held from 21 January until 13 February – saw over 1,000 representatives from across Wales compete to be the best across 20 sectors.
Among the talent 253 have been recognised with 86 gold, 81 silver and 86 bronze medals awarded at a ceremony in Swansea last week (March 13th). A further 282 competitors were recognised as Highly Commended.
ACT, Wales’ leading training provider, saw three of its accountancy learners – Maddy Groves, Lauren Gunning and Zach Mitchell – scoop bronze.
AAT Tutor, Nerys Hiscocks, said:
“Zach, Lauren and Maddy worked extremely well together. They were very supportive and encouraging of each other and the other teams within the competition.
“They deserved to win the Bronze award and I am looking forward to seeing where their skills will lead them in the future.”
At the ceremony, held in Swansea Arena, Welsh Government Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant helped hand out awards.
He said: “Vocational training is close to my heart and Skills Competition Wales offers young people a great chance to test themselves and develop their skills.
“Our government prioritises supporting youths towards promising futures and competitions such as this encourages them to push boundaries constructively.
“Meeting 2024 WorldSkills medallists, I’ve seen how these competitions advance careers – I’m confident this new talent will be equally successful. Congratulations to all competitors and good luck to those representing Wales nationally and beyond.
“It’ll be an honour for Wales to host WorldSkills UK this November. I look forward to seeing the exceptional talent showcased.”
