UWTSD Announced as WorldSkills Competition Organising Partner for CNC Machining and Additive Manufacturing
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has been appointed as a WorldSkills UK Competition Organising Partner for CNC Machining and Additive Manufacturing.
The University has been the Competition’s Organising Partner for CNC Machining since 2023, and this expanded appointment further strengthens UWTSD’s position as a national leader in developing and promoting advanced manufacturing skills. The recognition highlights UWTSD’s ongoing commitment to excellence in technical education and its expanding role in delivering high-performance skills competitions across the UK and internationally.
Over recent years, UWTSD has celebrated significant success at the WorldSkills UK National Finals, both as a medal-winning competitor institution and as an official host venue. The University has welcomed finalists from across the UK to its campuses, showcasing state-of-the-art facilities and demonstrating its dedication to developing industry-ready talent. This sustained achievement has cemented UWTSD’s reputation as a centre of excellence in vocational and technical skills.
Sharron Lusher, the University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Further Education and Skills), said: “UWTSD’s appointment as a WorldSkills UK Competition Organising Partner for CNC Machining and Additive Manufacturing is a strong endorsement of our leadership in advanced manufacturing education.
“We are committed to developing industry-ready, future-focused talent and to supporting learners to compete at the highest level. We are proud to be working with WorldSkills to help raise aspirations, strengthen technical excellence, and contribute to the UK’s global reputation for skills.”
As an Organising Partner for CNC Machining and Additive Manufacturing, UWTSD will play a central role in delivering world-class competition standards, supporting competitors, and raising the profile of advanced manufacturing skills across Wales and the UK.
Lee Pratt, Advanced Manufacturing Skills Academy Manager at UWTSD, said: “Becoming a WorldSkills Competition Organising Partner is a proud moment for UWTSD and for the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Academy. Our involvement reflects the dedication of our staff, learners, and industry partners who consistently strive for excellence.
“We are committed to developing the next generation of high-level manufacturing talent and ensuring competitors are equipped with the skills, confidence, and resilience to perform on the world stage.”
UWTSD’s success in WorldSkills competitions is exemplified by CBM Lead Design Engineer and former competitor Oscar McNaughton. Oscar made history as the first person to represent the UK in Additive Manufacturing at the 47th WorldSkills Competition, held in Lyon in 2024.
Following his success at the 2023 WorldSkills UK Finals, Oscar was selected to represent Team UK. Competing against the world’s best, he achieved an outstanding sixth place globally in Additive Manufacturing. He has recently returned from China, where he played a key role in leading a high-level training event and pressure test aligned to international competition standards. He attended as Assistant Training Manager for WorldSkills UK International, supporting two Team UK members as part of preparations for the upcoming WorldSkills International Finals, which will be held in Shanghai in September 2026.
In addition to its strengths in Advanced Manufacturing, UWTSD continues to contribute to digital skills excellence. Nitheesh Kaliyamurthy, Senior Lecturer at UWTSD, serves as Training Manager and Expert for the Network Systems Administrator skill at WorldSkills UK. He is responsible for training and preparing Team UK competitors for international competition, helping them showcase the very best of UK digital talent on the global stage.
With experience as a WorldSkills expert at both national and international levels, Nitheesh plays a vital role in bridging higher education and world-class skills development.
Nitheesh Kaliyamurthy said: “It’s a privilege to help shape and mentor the next generation of digital talent representing the UK on the world stage. Seeing their hard work and growth throughout the process is truly inspiring.”
Andrew John has also served as Assistant Training Manager for WorldSkills UK in CNC Machining for the past two years.
Nitheesh, Oscar and Andrew have all recently been heavily involved in Team UK selection for their respective competitions. This process involves the challenging task of selecting the strongest candidate from each training squad after 18 months of intensive preparation, determining who will travel to Shanghai in 2026. Team selection outcomes are due to be announced at the end of March.
UWTSD now looks forward to hosting the WorldSkills UK National Finals once again this November, continuing its commitment to delivering excellence in skills development and competition.
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071