UWTSD Hosts Skills Competition Wales to Champion Excellence in Industrial and Creative Sectors

14 February 2025

The ��Ҵ�ý (UWTSD) hosted Skills Competition Wales events in partnership with Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales on Friday, February 7 at its IQ and Dynevor buildings in Swansea. Skills Competition Wales aims to raise the profile of skills across Wales by providing students, trainees, and apprentices with the opportunity to challenge themselves, benchmark their abilities, and enhance their expertise in a range of sectors.

Two students working on technical machines.

The University welcomed students from Bridgend College, Cardiff and Vale College, Coleg Sir Gar, Coleg Cambria, Coleg Y Cymoedd and Coleg Ceredigion, Gower College Swansea and Pembrokeshire College.

The competitions, funded by the Welsh Government through the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales project, are organised by a dedicated network of colleges, work-based learning providers, and employer-led organisations. The initiative aligns with WorldSkills standards and the evolving needs of the Welsh economy.

UWTSD hosted competitions across two key locations:

At the IQ Building:

Industrial Electronics
Additive Manufacturing
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
CNC Turning

At the Dynevor Building:

Textiles and Surface Pattern (Pilot Competition)
Fashion Technology
Photography
Craft (Pilot Competition)
Graphic Design

Caroline Thraves, UWTSD’s Academic Director for Art and Media, highlighted the significance of these competitions in fostering creativity and innovation:

“We are thrilled to be hosting the Skills Competition Wales finals at Swansea College of Art. The development of high-level skills is fundamental to what we do, and it is an absolute delight to support so many talented and creative individuals through this competition.”

Lee Pratt, UWTSD’s Advanced Manufacturing Skills Academy Manager, emphasised the university’s role in nurturing industry-ready professionals:

“By hosting Skills Competition Wales events in Industrial Electronics, Additive Manufacturing, CAD, and CNC Turning, the university fosters innovation, nurtures technical excellence, and prepares the next generation of skilled professionals to drive industry forward.”

Paul Evans, Project Director said: “The support from UWTSD in hosting these competitions has been invaluable. Skills are the foundation of a thriving economy, and competitions like these play a crucial role in developing talent, raising standards, and preparing individuals for successful careers. Congratulations to all the competitors for embracing this challenge and striving for excellence in your respective fields.”

Skills Competition Wales plays a crucial role in inspiring excellence and promoting vocational qualifications across Wales. These competitions help benchmark and raise skill standards to support the future workforce.

The competitions will culminate in a prestigious awards ceremony on March 13, 2025, where the best competitors will be recognised for their dedication, talent, and hard work.