A torch relay celebrating the achievements and ambitions of Wales’ leading young learners and apprentices has begun its journey across the country.
The relay marks the countdown to the WorldSkills UK National Finals 2026, the UK’s largest competition for vocational and technical skills.
A total of 124 competitors from across Wales have secured places at this year’s finals. The Team Wales torch will visit communities, colleges and training providers to celebrate those preparing to represent the nation.
The Welsh team will be hoping to build on its success in 2025, when competitors secured 61 medals. Welsh colleges and training providers also claimed seven of the top 10 places among the UK’s highest-performing institutions.
This year’s National Finals will be hosted in Wales from 18 to 20 November. Competitors will take part in disciplines including engineering, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, construction and the creative industries.
Led by the Welsh Government through the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales programme, the relay will begin at Cambrian Training before travelling to locations across the country.
It will recognise the learners, apprentices, educators and employers helping Wales develop the skills needed for the future.
The relay also aims to inspire the next generation by highlighting the opportunities offered by vocational education, apprenticeships and skills competitions. These experiences can help participants develop technical skills, build confidence and explore future careers.
As the torch travels across Wales, it will highlight the achievements of Team Wales competitors and the role skills competitions play in raising standards, developing industry-ready talent and celebrating vocational learning.
Cefin Campbell Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, said: “This year’s torch relay is an opportunity to celebrate the talent, ambition and dedication being shown by learners and apprentices in communities across Wales.”
“As the torch travels across the country, it will shine a spotlight on the network of colleges, training providers, employers and families helping young people develop the skills they need to succeed.”
Skills competitions play an important role in raising standards, building confidence and helping young people reach their full potential. They demonstrate the high level of talent that exists across Wales and showcase the real value of vocational learning and apprenticeships as routes to success.
“Wales has an incredibly proud track record of success in skills competitions, and this year’s competitors represent the very best of that talent. I wish every member of Team Wales the very best as they prepare to compete at the UK’s biggest vocational skills competition and represent Wales on a national stage.”
Tegan Thomas, 18, from Bridgend College, said: “Being selected for the WorldSkills UK National Finals is an achievement I’m incredibly proud of and has exceeded all my expectations.
“The competition has helped me develop new skills and confidence, while opening my eyes to opportunities I hadn’t previously considered. I’m looking forward to meeting other competitors, making new connections and gaining experiences that will help me in my future career in health and social care. I’ve always wanted to travel, so the possibility of continuing my WorldSkills journey and potentially competing at WorldSkills International Tokyo 2028 is a really exciting ambition.”
