Wales Sparks National Pride with Skills Torch Relay Ahead of UK Finals
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is proud to be among the host institutions as Wales prepares to welcome the WorldSkills UK National Finals for the first time ever. The countdown to this historic event has begun with a nationwide torch relay celebrating the nation’s rising young talent, including UWTSD-based competitor Tamzin Brewer, one of the shining examples of Wales’s growing skills success.
Tamzin Brewer, aged 22, reached the WorldSkills UK National Finals in 2024, competing in CNC Milling. After studying Mechanical Engineering at Coleg Sir Gâr and completing a three-year advanced manufacturing apprenticeship with CBM Wales, Tamzin is now a Junior Technician at CBM Wales, based at UWTSD.
Tamzin said: “Competing in the WorldSkills UK national finals has been an incredible experience. CNC milling is still a very male-dominated industry, so being here shows that there’s space for women to succeed and push boundaries in advanced manufacturing.
“I’ve learned so much from this competition; not just about technical skill, but also about resilience and confidence. I hope my journey inspires more young women to see engineering and CNC machining as an exciting and rewarding career path.”
UWTSD computing students, Luke Redmore, a Digital Degree Apprenticeship student in Software Engineering, and Rehan Joseph, a BSc Computer Networks and Cyber Security student, have also been selected as finalists in the prestigious WorldSkills UK National Finals 2025, taking place from 25 to 28 November, 2025.
Another competitor, Lloyd Thomas a trainee CNC machinist at Safran seats, is being supported by the University’s Advanced Manufacturing Skills Academy,
The Roadtrip to Excellence torch relay will light the way as it travels across Wales, honouring the very best of learners, apprentices, employers, and educators. Beginning at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay, the torch will journey through every region, stopping at colleges and training providers whose students are set to compete in the Finals.
The relay will culminate at Bridgend College before the National Finals begin, uniting young people, tutors, employers, and communities in a shared moment of inspiration.
This year, Wales will be represented by 131 competitors – the highest number the nation has ever had. Welsh entrants will make up around 30% of all competitors across the UK, reflecting both the breadth of skills talent in Wales and the impact of sustained investment in training and facilities. Wales also leads the way in the number of competitors entering WorldSkills UK’s Foundation competitions, designed for young people with additional learning needs (ALN) to build practical skills and enhance employability.
Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Jack Sargeant said the torch relay will capture the spirit of a “proud moment for our nation.”
He said: “The torch relay will bring communities across Wales together in celebration of our incredible young people. This is a proud moment for our nation – not only are we hosting the WorldSkills UK National Finals for the first time, but we are sending 131 young people – our biggest ever team of competitors.
“It’s a chance to showcase the outstanding talent, tutors and facilities that are helping to secure Wales’s economic future.”
Employers across Wales are also embracing the opportunity to showcase the skills and talent within their organisations. Stephen Lloyd, Senior Manager of the Paint Shop at Aston Martin, supports the company’s apprenticeship programme at St Athan and oversees its training cohort for skills competitions.
He said: “We started entering our apprentices into Skills Competition Wales and were delighted to achieve a medal in the Manufacturing Team Challenge in our first year of competing.
“It’s generated real interest across Aston Martin, with colleagues recognising the benefits these competitions bring – both for the apprentices’ development and for the business. It demonstrates the strength of our training programmes and the calibre of talent we’re developing at Aston Martin.”
The WorldSkills UK National Finals bring together hundreds of the UK’s most talented apprentices and learners across 45 disciplines—from engineering, digital, and health to hospitality, construction, and the creative industries.
Hosting the Finals in Wales for the first time shines a spotlight on the country’s cutting-edge training facilities, including those at UWTSD, as well as on the skills, creativity, and ambition of its young people, the workforce of the future.
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071