The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is celebrating the outstanding achievements of its students and industry partners at this year’s Skills Competition Wales, which has set the stage for the highly anticipated WorldSkills UK national finals later this year.
With Wales preparing to host the WorldSkills UK finals for the first time, Skills Competition Wales provided a key opportunity for aspiring professionals to showcase their talents and gain vital experience in their respective fields. Organised by the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales project and funded by the Welsh Government, the competition aims to elevate skills standards across multiple sectors by working closely with colleges, work-based learning providers, and employer-led organisations.
The competitions, held from 21 January to 13 February, some of which took place at the university’s Dynevor Building and Swansea Waterfront campus, saw over 1,000 competitors across 20 different skill sectors, with 253 participants earning top honours. Among them, UWTSD-supported competitors and industry trainees achieved remarkable success, particularly in manufacturing and engineering.
Manufacturing Team Challenge – Team Awards
- Gold Medal: Team Valiant (Rhys Vaughan and Charlie Gallagher)
- Bronze Medal: Team Valkyrie (James Levi, Ieuan Matthews, and Ben Hanks)
- Highly Commended: Jack Simpkins, Dan John, and Ben Dale
CNC Milling
- Bronze Medal: Lloyd Thomas (Safran Seats), trained at AMSA over the past year
These results highlight UWTSD’s commitment to working in partnership with leading employers such as Aston Martin and Safran Seats, ensuring that students receive industry-relevant training and experience.
Reflecting on the university’s success at Skills Competition Wales, Lee Pratt, UWTSD’s Advanced Manufacturing Skills Academy Manager, said:
“Now that the dust has settled on another fantastic Skills Competition Wales finals, we can reflect on our great success. We are immensely proud of our competitors. This success is testament to the strong relationships we have established with industry, providing high-level training to meet their ever-growing needs for a skilled workforce. We wish the teams from Aston Martin and Safran Seats all the very best for the future.”
With Wales set to host the WorldSkills UK national finals in November, UWTSD is gearing up to welcome competitors, organisers, and visitors to its Swansea Waterfront campus which will serve as a key venue for multiple skills competitions.
“The university’s involvement in the event is a testament to its leadership in skills development and commitment to fostering the next generation of skilled professionals,” said Lee.
