Haverfordwest Welding apprentice set to shine at EuroSkills
Taking place in Denmark this September, Team UK consists of 19 competitors from across the UK, with Wales making up an impressive 37% of the team. Their participation highlights Wales' commitment to excellence in vocational skills and underscores the nation's ability to compete at the highest level on the European stage.
Currently an apprentice at Haven Engineering and a student at Pembrokeshire College, Luke Roberts began his competition journey with Skills Competition Wales, where he claimed a silver medal in the Welding competition.
His talents didn't go unnoticed, with him shortly after progressing to the WorldSkills UK National Finals in Manchester, earning a Highly Commended title and catching the attention of national trainers.
Following an intense round of pressure tests where candidates were scored not just on their welding skills, but also technique, time, and finish, Luke was officially selected for EuroSkills.
Luke said: 'It was such a tight decision between me and another really talented welder to go to EuroSkills. We were so close in skill, but I scored slightly higher on the pressure test.
'I was buzzing when I found out I was heading to Denmark. It'll be my first time on a plane, and I get to go with my training manager, Carl. It's amazing the places you get to travel with skills competitions. If I'm lucky enough to qualify for WorldSkills International competitions, I'll get to go to Shanghai!'
Luke's journey has already taken him far, personally and professionally, by helping him believe in his abilities and develop in his industry.
He continued: 'Competing has helped my confidence massively. You meet loads of new people, learn to weld using different processes like TIG, aluminum and stainless, and it's a huge boost to your CV. It makes you stand out.'
Now preparing for EuroSkills in Herning, Denmark, Luke is training alongside his national teammates and forging friendships across the UK.
He said: 'The networking opportunities throughout my skills competition journey have been endless. I'm currently working alongside a guy from Grimsby for EuroSkills who I'd never met before, but we get on like we've known each other for years.
While he admits the reality of EuroSkills 'hasn't quite hit', Luke is excited to be part of something so big.
He continued: 'In Manchester I put a lot of pressure on myself, but this time I just want to enjoy it, stay calm, and do my best. I've already learned so much about myself through this.'
Luke credits his college lecturers and training mentors for helping him progress. 'My employer has been brilliant and allowed me to do additional training in work hours. College and work have been a huge support, and we've had such a laugh along the way.'
'I'd definitely encourage others to give it a go. It's been a great experience, I've got to travel, make new friends, be more qualified in my skill and also have boosted my CV too. It's so worthwhile.'
Competitions in Wales are delivered by Inspiring Skills, a Welsh Government-funded initiative dedicated to promoting vocational excellence. Through Skills Competition Wales and international training support, it helps young people develop world-class skills, gain confidence, and represent Wales on a global stage.
Looking ahead to the future, Luke is focused on giving his all at EuroSkills Herning 2025, with the ultimate goal of a place at the global WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, often dubbed the 'skills Olympics'.
He hopes his journey will inspire more young people in Wales to believe in their capabilities and enroll in skills competitions.
To start your skills competition in Wales and for more information on how you can get involved as a competitor, employer or skills champion, go to: https://inspiringskills.gov.wales/
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