Welsh talent makes up over a third of Team UK at EuroSkills

An impressive set of seven highly trained competitors from Wales will form part of Team UK at Europe’s largest skills competition this autumn.

Making their way to EuroSkills Denmark in September, Team UK consists of 19 competitors from across the UK, with Wales making up approximately 37% of the team.

Selected and trained by WorldSkills UK in partnership with Pearson and Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales, these young people will compete in vital trades and disciplines representing international best practice on a global stage.

They now face the final months of intensive training ahead of EuroSkills Denmark. But who from Team UK will be flying the flag for Wales? Let’s meet them…

Tomas Ankers

• Age: 17
• Hometown: Wrexham
• College / Employer: Coleg Cambria / Electroimpact
• Competition: CNC Milling

At just 17, Tomas is the Welsh team’s youngest competitor and is competing within the metalwork and manufacturing industry.

Tomas said: “Working as an apprentice alongside doing the competitions has hugely benefitted me. I’m really enjoying learning new techniques and gaining so much experience in a high-pressured but supportive environment. I’m also lucky to learn from my supervisor who’s a former WorldSkills International competitor.”

Yuliia Batrak

• Age: 19
• Hometown: Colwyn Bay
• College: Grwp Llandrillo Menai (Coleg Llandrillo)
• Competition: Restaurant Services

Yuliia moved from Ukraine three years ago and began her journey by participating in Skills Competition Wales and WorldSkills UK, where she won two Gold medals. Now studying Level 3 Professional Culinary Arts, Yuliia is also working part-time at the four-star St George’s Hotel in Llandudno.

Yuliia said: “I’m incredibly proud of myself. Winning a gold medal at the WorldSkills UK National Finals was the best moment of my life and the opportunities I’ve been given as a result include work experience at the Ritz and Gleneagles. I can’t wait to represent Wales at the European finals.”

Evan Klimazsewski

• Age: 18

• Hometown: Holyhead

• College / Employer: Grwp Llandrillo Menai (Coleg Menai) / Lockheed Martin UK
• Competition: Electronics

Evan is currently a first-year apprentice at Lockheed Martin UK. He previously won Gold at both the Welsh and national competitions.

Evan said: “I’m excited to see how I measure up against competitors from across Europe. Being an apprentice has given me invaluable skills which have been crucial in training for the competition. The whole experience has boosted my confidence and prepared me to represent the UK at EuroSkills.”

Melody Cheung

• Age: 19

• Hometown: Abergwynfi

• College: Bridgend College
• Competition: Graphic Design

Melody won a Bronze medal at Skills Competition Wales. Despite not winning at the nationals, she remained determined and was chosen for EuroSkills after impressing during the selection stage.

Melody said: “Being selected for Team UK was a surprise, but I’m thrilled and it just goes to show you shouldn’t ever give up on yourself. The competitions have helped me handle pressure and improve my technical skills for future employment. I’m really looking forward to competing in Denmark and making Wales proud.”

Luke Roberts

• Age: 18
• Hometown: Haverfordwest
• College & Employer: Pembrokeshire College / Haven Engineering
• Competition: Welding

Luke began his competition journey with Skills Competition Wales, where he claimed a silver medal in the Welding competition. His talents didn’t go unnoticed, and he soon progressed to the WorldSkills UK National Finals in Manchester, earning a Highly Commended title and catching the attention of national trainers.

Luke said: “Finding out I’d been selected was an unforgettable moment, I was literally in the shower when the email came through! It’s been a tight competition, and I’m proud to have made it. Skills competitions have built my confidence, and I’ve met loads of new people, broadened my experience, and it’s a great thing to have on my CV.”

Finn Gallagher

• Age: 19

• Hometown: Sailsbury

• College: Cardiff University
• Competition: Web Technologies

Finn started his journey in skills competitions eighteen months ago after responding to an advert for the qualifiers for the UK nationals. Placing joint third, he was selected for EuroSkills.

Finn said: “The competitions have boosted my confidence and skills, and I’ve been able to network with people from lots of different industries who are equally passionate about their trade. This experience has also helped me land a part-time job and an internship, which is fantastic for my career.”

Gabrielle Wilson

• Age: 20

• Hometown: Rhayader

• College: NPTC Group of Colleges
• Competition: Cooking

Gabi has competed for the last two years in both 2022 and 2023. Although she didn’t take home a medal at first, her persistence paid off, and she later received a Highly Commended award at the WorldSkills UK national finals.

Gabi said: “I’m proud to represent both my college and Wales. Competing has really helped me with time management and organisation, but my favourite part is learning new skills and seeing what other competitors can do. I’m most excited about meeting people from across Europe and seeing the standard of competition up close.”

Competitions in Wales are delivered by Inspiring Skills, a Welsh Government-funded initiative dedicated to promoting vocational excellence. Through Skills Competition Wales and international training support, it helps young people develop world-class skills, gain confidence, and represent Wales on a global stage.

For many of this year’s EuroSkills competitors, September’s competition is seen as crucial test to measure their readiness to compete at the ultimate WorldSkills competition. Known as the ‘skills Olympics’, the next WorldSkills takes place in Shanghai in September 2026.

To start your skills competition in Wales and for more information on how you can get involved as a competitor, employer or skills champion, go to: https://inspiringskills.gov.wales/