Entries now open for WorldSkills UK 2024

Students and apprentices are being invited to sign up for this year’s WorldSkills UK competitions.

Last year, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai students Yuliia Batrak and Osian Roberts won gold medals at the WorldSkillsUK National Finals.

They triumphed against the best young talents in their fields from across the country, with Yuliia winning the Restaurant Service competition and Osian victorious in the CNC turning category.

There was also success for Eva Voma and Adam Hopley, who took bronze in Additive Manufacturing and Industrial Electronics respectively.

Now, learners have the chance to follow in their footsteps by entering this year’s competitions across nearly 60 categories.

Ben Blackledge, WorldSkills UK Chief Executive, said: “Taking part in WorldSkills UK competitions can be a life-changing experience that develops crucial skills and boosts future earnings.

“Our competitions develop young people’s personal skills, as well the technical skills that employers are looking for in new recruits. I would encourage everyone to have a look at the many options available and sign up to compete.”

The competitions are a seven-month process including regional heats and intensive training before the ultimate test of the national finals in November, which will be held at venues across Greater Manchester. The finals will see young people from across the UK come together before the winners are announced and celebrated at a medal ceremony.

The vast majority of previous entrants said taking part improved their technical knowledge (87%) and personal and employability skills (79%).

Students and apprentices who excel in the national finals could be invited to join WorldSkills UK’s international development and training programme. This could see them be selected for Team UK to compete on the international stage at WorldSkills, known as the ‘skills olympics’.

Following last year’s WorldSkills UK competitions, Eva and Yuliia have been selected for the UK squads in their respective categories. Eva is in contention to represent the UK in Additive Manufacturing at WorldSkills 2024 in Lyon this September, while Yuliia is in the Restaurant Service squad preparing for WorldSkills 2026 in Shanghai.

• Speak to your tutor before 28 March 2024 if you’d like to represent Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai or Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor in this year’s WorldSkills competitions. You may have competed in the Skills Competition Wales 2024 cycle and wish to continue your competition journey. Results of Skills Competition Wales are due to be announced on March 14.
• For any queries about registering to represent your college, email competitions@gllm.ac.uk or cystadlaethau@gllm.ac.uk
• For more information about this year’s WorldSkills UK competitions, visit www.worldskillsuk.org/skills/national-competitions