Welsh competitors collect 69 medals at WorldSkills UK final
Team Wales won a total of 16 gold, 19 silver, 17 bronze and 17 highly commended medals at the WorldSkills UK National Final competitions, as more than 400 students and apprentices from across the UK battled it out to be named best in their skill.
The medal winners were announced by TV presenter Steph McGovern during a special medal ceremony.
A record-breaking 145 competitors represented Wales in the competitive skills events which took place in 23 locations across the UK earlier this month including Cardiff, Swansea and Deeside.
Competitions took place in 64 different skills categories across four industry sectors: engineering and technology; digital, business and creative; health, hospitality and lifestyle; and construction and infrastructure.
WorldSkills is a global movement of over 80 countries that take part in a biennial “skills Olympics” to showcase best international practice in apprenticeships and technical education and celebrate young people’s vocational achievements.
The next WorldSkills final will take place in Shanghai, China, in 2022, with a strong representation of Welsh competitors battling it out to be selected to represent Team UK.
While the Welsh competitors from this year’s UK National Finals have the opportunity to compete for a place in Squad UK for the 47th WorldSkills final being held in Lyon, France, in 2024.
Reflecting on Team Wales’ success, Minister for Economy and Skills, Vaughan Gething, said:
“Our young people hold the key to Wales’ future success. The Welsh Government, working with our partners, is determined to provide them with opportunities to learn the skills they’ll need to fulfil their true potential.
“So I’m delighted a record-breaking 145 competitors have represented Wales at this important competition. It’s a testament to the very talented young people we have here in Wales.
“Nurturing our talent will be key as we reshape our economy post-coronavirus pandemic to make it more resilient to change and to the challenges of the future. Through our ambitious Young Person’s Guarantee, we’ll ensure our future Welsh workforce is provided with the opportunities to help build a brighter future for themselves, and for Wales.
“WorldSkills competitions raise awareness of the power of skills to transform lives, economies, and society. Congratulations to all those who took part.”
For more information about the competitions, visit: inspiringskills.gov.wales