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Powys County Times
04-07-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Young Welsh chef to compete at EuroSkills 2025 in Denmark
A young Welsh chef is set to represent the UK on the international stage. Gabi Wilson, a 20-year-old chef from Hay-on-Wye and a member of Team UK, will compete at EuroSkills Herning 2025 in Denmark following her success in national skills competitions. She said: "The apprenticeship helped me a lot because working in a professional kitchen is much different to being a college student. "My advice to anyone wishing to become a chef is to opt for an apprenticeship at a place where there are skilled professionals because you will always learn from the best. "It's a recipe for success. "Graduating was a proud moment for me because my mum and dad attended the ceremony and Cambrian Training staff were praising me." Ms Wilson recently completed her Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery through Cambrian Training Company and was the first winner of the Green Chef Challenge at the 2024 Welsh International Culinary Championships. She began working at Chapters in February and praised the support of head chef Mark McHugo and his team. Ms Wilson said: "It's going really well and I am learning a lot. "We have just finished Hay Festival which was super-busy for 10 days. "I want to learn a wide range of skills before possibly specialising in patisserie. "In the future, I would also like to do stages at different restaurants to learn from other chefs." To prepare for EuroSkills Herning 2025, she will receive support from Andrew Addis-Fuller and Craig Holly, Cambrian Training Company training officers, in fish preparation and butchery. She is also completing a City and Guilds Level 3 Patisserie qualification at NPTC Group of Colleges in Newtown. Ms Wilson, who lives in Rhayader, previously worked at Chartists 1770 at The Trewythen in Llanidloes before moving to Chapters after the former restaurant closed last year. More than 100 apprentices from across Wales attended the Cambrian Training Company graduation ceremony at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd.
BBC News
27-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Biddulph veteran thanks hospital after competing in Invictus Games
A veteran who competed in the Invictus Games has presented hospital staff with his kit to thank them for helping him realise his long-held Shenton, who served in the British Army for 25 years, fractured his neck and skull when he fell off his bike while training in August 52-year-old, from Biddulph, Staffordshire, was treated at Royal Stoke University Hospital and staff guided him through an eight-month rehabilitation than five years after his accident, Mr Shenton was selected to represent Team UK in the Invictus Games, competing in Nordic Skiing and indoor rowing at the 2025 event in Canada. Four months after the contest, he returned to the hospital during Armed Forces Week and presented staff with a display case containing the kit he competed Shenton said he would not have been able to take part in the event – a dream of his since leaving the army - without the help of the "incredible" people who treated him. "I really wanted to make the donation to say thank you for all the work they have done because they quite literally saved my life," he said."Having been in the rehab gyms at Royal Stoke, and being at that low point having the collar on my neck and almost learning how to walk again, I thought this [the display] might inspire somebody to keep going."Mr Shenton served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Afghanistan before he was medically discharged from the army due to suffering with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He first applied to be on Team UK in the in 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney but he was rejected. Mr Shenton had two more unsuccessful applications before he was finally chosen for the 2025 competition, following his came 19th in Nordic Skiing and achieved a personal best in the indoor rowing during February's Parkinson, a senior therapy technical instructor who was involved in Mr Shenton's care, said seeing his progress made her job "all the better"."You come to work every day wanting this sort of thing to happen but often never see the end of the journey," she said. "To see how well Rob is [doing] is so rewarding." Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Powys County Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Powys: Rhayader cook on Team UK for EuroSkills 2025
A 20-year-old Powys student will join six other Welsh competitors later this year as part of Team UK at EuroSkills 2025. Gabrielle Wilson, from Rhayader, will compete at Europe's largest skills competition being held in Denmark in September. Team UK consists of 19 competitors from across the UK, with Wales making up an impressive 37 per cent 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. Gabi was introduced to WorldSkills UK Competitions through her college, NPTC Group of Colleges, and quickly discovered a love for competing. After being awarded Highly Commended at the National Finals in 2023, her dedication and talent earned her a place on Team UK for EuroSkills Herning 2025. Gabi will be competing in the cooking competition against Europe's best. She said: 'I'm proud to represent both my college and Wales. Competing has really helped me with time management and organisation, but my favourite part is learning new skills and seeing the standard of competition up close.' Gabi continued: 'It's a great way to develop your skills in a live environment. I got the opportunity to work for a professional chef, which is something I couldn't have got in the classroom. I love being in a competition atmosphere. It really motivates me, and I'm excited to see where I stand among my European peers.' Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app 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 expert skills, gain confidence, and represent Wales on international stages. EuroSkills is a vital stepping stone toward the ultimate stage – WorldSkills Shanghai in 2026, often dubbed the 'skills Olympics'.
Pembrokeshire Herald
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Haverfordwest Welding apprentice set to shine at EuroSkills
A TALENTED 18-year-old apprentice from Haverfordwest is set to represent Team UK at EuroSkills 2025, Europe's largest skills competition. 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:
Business News Wales
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Welsh Top Skills Talent Takes on Europe's Finest at EuroSkills 2025
Six apprentices and learners from Wales are among a group heading to Denmark in September to test their skills at EuroSkills Herning 2025. Europe's largest skills competition will take place from 9-13 September. A group of 19 will make up Team UK. They are: Mechatronics – John Doherty & Jason McVerry, from Armagh, Northern Ireland Health& Social Care – Grace Longden from Macclesfield Restaurant Services – Yuliia Batrak, from Cardigan, Wales Industry 4.0 – Patrick Sheerin, from Portadown, & Caolan McCartan from Newry Electronics – Evan Klimazsewsk, from Holyhead Mechanical Engineering (CAD) – Stuart Lyons, from Lanark Hairdressing – Katie Sime, from the Forest of Dean CNC Milling – Tomas Ankers, from Wrexham Electrical Installation – Jonathan Gough, from Waringstown, Northern Ireland Web Technologies – Finn Gallagher, from Salisbury Cabinetmaking – Stanley Mackintosh, from Norwich Plumbing & Heating – Andrew McCann, from Aughnacloy, Northern Ireland Cooking – Gabrielle Wilson, from Rhayader Graphic Design – Melody Cheung, from Port Talbot Welding – Luke Roberts, from Haverfordwest Joinery – Jamie Mathews, from Ballyclare Painting & Decorating – Shelby Fitzakerly, from Accrington Selected and trained in skills excellence by WorldSkills UK, in partnership with lifelong learning company Pearson, the team will compete in a raft of skills disciplines. Team members have already been through months of competition and selection processes and now face the last crucial months of their intensive training programme for EuroSkills Herning 2025. Minister for Skills, Jacqui Smith, said: ' Congratulations to all those chosen for the EuroSkills team, it's a fantastic achievement and a unique opportunity to showcase the strength of UK skills on the European stage. 'These young people represent the ambition and expertise being developed through our further education system, which is central to building a workforce fit for the future. 'High-quality skills are at the heart of our Plan for Change, helping to grow the economy and support people into good jobs. WorldSkills UK does vital work to raise standards and ambition across technical education.' Team UK will compete in skills including Electrical Installation, Plumbing and Heating, Joinery, Cabinet Making and Painting and Decorating, as well as Mechatronics, Industry 4.0, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering CAD, CNC Milling, Web Technologies, Graphic Design and Welding. The UK's health, hospitality and lifestyle sectors will also be showcased on the European stage with Team UK participating in Health and Social Care, Hairdressing, Cooking and Restaurant Service. WorldSkills UK uses its participation in the EuroSkills competition to promote skills excellence across the UK and embed world class training standards. EuroSkills Herning 2025 is also seen as crucial litmus test to measure the UK's readiness to compete on the global stage at the WorldSkills Competition. Known as the 'skills olympics', the next WorldSkills takes place in Shanghai, China in September 2026. Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: 'We are so excited to be supporting and nurturing this fantastic group of young professionals as they head for Denmark to compete. 'They will be tested to the highest standards, showcasing the skills that global employers are looking for, and will return to the UK with the knowledge and experience that will turbo charge their careers. 'EuroSkills is ultimately a test of how internationally competitive UK skills are. It gives us the impetus to raise standards at home and help more young people get high quality jobs.' Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications, said: 'We are incredibly proud to support this inspiring group of young people as they prepare for the EuroSkills challenge this year. Celebrating the best of technical and vocational education and raising the prestige of the sector is very important to us. I wish Team UK the best of luck as they prepare to compete in Denmark in September.' Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for EuroSkills Herning 2025 and WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, following a successful partnership at WorldSkills Lyon in 2024. Held every two years, EuroSkills, organised by WorldSkills Europe, sees hundreds of young people under the age of 25 from 33 countries across Europe come together to compete for the chance to become the Best in Europe in their chosen skill or profession. Supported by Members, Sponsors and Partners, industries, governments, volunteers, and educational institutions, WorldSkills Europe is making a direct impact on raising the level of skills throughout Europe. WorldSkills UK is a four nations partnership between education, industry and UK governments. It is a world-class skills network acting as a catalyst for: Raising standards, through international benchmarking and professional development Championing future skills, through analysis of rapidly changing economic demand Empowering young people, from all backgrounds, through competitions-based training and careers advocacy.
