Grŵp Llandrillo Menai Students Secure Spots…

Coleg Llandrillo students Yuliia Batrak, Timur Aisin, Holly Whitehouse and Kayleigh Hampson will be joined by Coleg Menai students Ryan Griffiths, Leighton Owen, Osian Roberts, Evan Klimaszewski, Adam Hopley, Eva Voma, Michal Lowisz and Gethin Jones in the UK finals which are to be held in colleges, independent training providers and universities.

All of them will have a chance to compete for places representing the UK at the ‘Skills Olympics’ in Shanghai, China in 2026.

The students reached the national finals, which are being held between the 14th and 17th of November, after impressing in a series of challenging regional competitions across a wide range of disciplines.

Yuliia and Timur will be competing at The Manchester College, where Timur will show his skills in the 3D Digital Art competition, and Yuliia will compete in the Restaurant Service category.

Holly and Kayleigh will be travelling to Trafford College for the Finals of Hairdressing, with Ryan and Leighton competing in Industrial Robotics at FANUC’s site in Coventry.

Evan, Michal and Adam have made it to the Industrial Electronics final at Wigan and Leigh College. Osian is heading to Tameside College to compete in the CNC Turning competition, and Eva Voma will take part in the Additive Manufacturing finals at the University of Salford.

The Welding finals are being held at Rochdale Training, where Coleg Menai student Gethin will put his skills to the test.

Of the 442 students and apprentices from across the UK who made the finals, an impressive 112 are from Wales - more than one in four.

They will compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals, with more than 50 WorldSkills UK National Finals taking place over nine different venues throughout November.

The competitions will culminate in a celebratory ceremony in Greater Manchester, where the winners will be crowned the best in their trade.

In addition to the engaging competitions, competitors and visitors will have the invaluable opportunity to engage with employers and industry experts for career advice and guidance during the events.

Those unable to attend the Manchester-based events and competitions will be able to watch online through a special broadcast featuring action from the finals as well as interviews and advice from previous winners, experts, and career advisors.

Dafydd Evans, Chief Executive of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, said,

“We’re immensely proud of our learners who have excelled and earned their spots in the WorldSkills UK finals this November.

“To reach the national finals is a fantastic achievement, which is testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering support provided by their dedicated lecturers. Good luck everyone!”

Paul Evans, Project Director of Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales, said,

“I’d like to congratulate the Welsh competitors that have made it through to the national finals. We couldn’t be prouder to have so many talented young people representing Wales and our skilled workforce.

“Whether people are following the events in person or catching up online, we hope the finals inspire other young people to get involved and develop their own skills to world-class standards.

“Good luck to all the finalists from myself and the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales team. Da iawn, pawb!”