Team Wales Torch Relay to Visit UWTSD Swansea Waterfront Campus
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is welcoming the Team Wales Torch Relay to its Swansea Waterfront campus today (September 23) as part of a nationwide celebration recognising the 124 young people selected to represent Wales at the WorldSkills UK National Finals 2026.
Led by the Welsh Government through the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales programme, the relay is travelling across the country to celebrate learners and apprentices who have earned places in the UK’s largest competition for vocational and technical skills.
As one of the relay’s key stops, UWTSD will host a programme of activities and competitions from November 18 to 20, providing opportunities for learners to showcase their talents while encouraging others to explore vocational education, technical training, and apprenticeships.
As an official WorldSkills UK Organising Partner for CNC Milling and Additive Manufacturing, the visit reflects UWTSD’s long-standing commitment to developing skills and supporting participation in the WorldSkills movement. The University regularly hosts regional and national competitions at its Swansea Campus and supports learners in progressing to the highest levels of competition.
This year’s National Finals will include apprentices from TT Electronics, who secured their places following success in the qualifying stages and are being supported by the University. Their achievement highlights the strength of UWTSD’s partnerships with employers in developing industry-ready talent and creating pathways to national recognition.
In recent years, UWTSD-hosted competitions have provided opportunities for students and apprentices from employers including Safran Seats and Aston Martin to develop and demonstrate advanced technical skills.
Skills competitions play an important role in connecting education and industry, enabling participants to benchmark themselves against national standards, gain valuable experience and build confidence in professional environments. Through its employer partnerships, UWTSD continues to help learners progress from regional competitions to the WorldSkills UK National Finals and beyond.
The WorldSkills UK National Finals will bring together the UK’s most talented learners and apprentices to compete across disciplines including engineering, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, construction, and the creative industries.
Lee Pratt, (pictured) Advanced Manufacturing Skills Academy Manager and Skills Ambassador at UWTSD, said: “We are proud to welcome the Team Wales Torch Relay to our Swansea Campus and to celebrate the dedication, ambition and achievements of the competitors who will represent Wales at the WorldSkills UK National Finals.
“At UWTSD, we have seen first-hand the transformative impact that skills competitions can have. They help participants develop technical expertise, build confidence, strengthen employability, and gain invaluable experience by working to industry-leading standards.
“Many of the learners and apprentices we support, including those from our industry partners, have used competitions as a springboard to national success. Their journey to the WorldSkills UK stage demonstrates what can be achieved when education and industry work together to nurture talent.
“Hosting the torch relay, alongside a range of on-campus activities, is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate excellence, inspire future competitors and showcase the talent developing across Swansea, Wales, and the wider UK.
“We look forward to welcoming learners, staff, employers and members of the community to join us in celebrating Team Wales as we build excitement towards this year’s National Finals.”
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071