COLEG CAMBRIA proudly welcomed the Team Wales torch to its Deeside campus, marking an important milestone in its journey across Wales.
The torch relay is helping to build excitement ahead of the WorldSkills UK National Finals, which will be hosted in Wales for the very first time this November. It also highlights the pathway to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, known internationally as the ‘Skills Olympics’.
Colleges across the country have united to celebrate the teamwork and dedication driving Team Wales’s success in vocational education and training.
These prestigious competitions start locally through Skills Competition Wales, organised by the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales project, before advancing to national and global stages.
At Coleg Cambria, the torch was the focus of a special ceremony that brought together competitors, students, employers, dignitaries, and community members — all gathered to celebrate the value and impact of vocational skills.
Coleg Cambria Principal Sue Price said:
“It’s been a really exciting and proud moment to host the Team Wales torch here at Deeside.
The visit symbolises not just the journey of the competitors, but the hard work, dedication and talent of learners, tutors and employers across Wales who make these achievements possible.
Events like this highlight the importance of vocational education and the incredible opportunities it creates for young people. As we look ahead to the National Finals, we’re thrilled to see our students represent the college and showcase their skills on a national stage – they are true ambassadors for Wales.”
The WorldSkills UK Finals will take place from November 26–28, with hundreds of young people competing in more than 45 skill areas across venues in Newport, Cardiff, Bridgend, and Swansea.
Hosting the National Finals in Wales for the first time cements the nation’s status as a leader in skills, training, and education — and provides a powerful platform to showcase the next generation of Welsh talent.
Jack Sargeant, Minister for Skills, Culture and Social Partnership – and a former Coleg Cambria apprentice and learner – added:
“We are immensely proud to host the WorldSkills UK National Finals for the first time. It is an opportunity to showcase not only the remarkable skills and talent of our young people, but also the strength of our education and training systems on a UK stage.
The torch relay reflects the pride we all share in Team Wales’s achievements and will help inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps.
Vocational skills are vital to our communities and our economy, and this celebration reinforces Wales’s role as a leader in skills excellence.”
Beauty Therapist finalist Evie McManus shared her excitement about the upcoming event, saying:
“We have all trained really hard and had incredible support from the college. I can’t wait to take part and represent Wales – it’s going to be a challenge, but a huge honour as well.”
For more information on how to get involved as a competitor, employer, or skills ambassador, visit https://inspiringskills.gov.wales/.
Find the latest news and updates from Coleg Cambria at www.cambria.ac.uk.
