The UK’s most talented young professionals have been crowned champions at the WorldSkills UK National Finals in a glittering ceremony at the ICC Wales (Friday 28 November).
More than 400 finalists competed across over 40 different skill categories, from digital technologies, advanced manufacturing and engineering to hospitality, creative arts and health science. Over two days of intense competition, the finalists demonstrated world-class technical skills, creativity and professionalism, all qualities highly valued by employers.
“Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said:
“These exceptional young people showcase the very best of UK talent and represent the future of our economy, and I would like to congratulate them all on their outstanding achievements.
This government will continue to back young people to succeed in skilled work. We will introduce V levels, reintroduce maintenance grants and reform apprenticeship funding to prioritise young people, delivering on the Prime Minister’s target for two-thirds of young people to participate in a gold standard apprenticeship or be heading to university by the age of 25.
Our reforms will unlock opportunity for our young people and create growth for our country – driving national renewal.”
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said:
“Congratulations to all those who participated in the WorldSkills UK national competitions. They have demonstrated their skills at the highest level and these exceptional young people represent the future of our economy. They are the new generation of highflyers that will give UK employers a competitive edge. Our competitions, based on global standards, play a vital role in developing the skills that will drive investment, create jobs, and fuel economic growth.”
WorldSkills UK together with the Welsh Government and Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales welcomed leading employers, industry experts from across the world and representatives from the UK’s education and training sector to watch the national finals in action. They witnessed how WorldSkills UK’s programmes inspire young people to aim higher, achieve excellence in technical education, and build the foundations for rewarding future careers.
WorldSkills UK National Competitions 2026 open for entry from 2 – 27 March 2026.
Winners announcement
See the winners from each skills competition.
SKILLS WINNERS 2025 FOUNDATION SKILLS WINNERS 2025League tables
Top five performing organisations
| Rank | Total Medal Points | Organisation Group | Nation |
| 1 | 13 | Cardiff and Vales College | Wales |
| = | 13 | Pembrokeshire College | Wales |
| 2 | 12 | New College Lanarkshire | Scotland |
| = | 12 | Southern Regional College | Northern Ireland |
| 3 | 11 | Coleg Gwent | Wales |
| 4 | 10 | Bridgend College | Wales |
| = | 10 | Cheshire College South and West | England |
| = | 10 | Grwp Llandrillo Menai | Wales |
| 5 | 9 | Burnley College | England |
| = | 9 | Coleg Cumbria | Wales |
| = | 9 | East Coast College | England |
| = | 9 | NPTC Group of Colleges | Wales |
Top three organisations for foundation skills
| Rank | Total Medal Points | Organisation Group | Nation |
| 1 | 12 | Bridgend College | Wales |
| = | 12 | Pembrokeshire College | Wales |
| 2 | 10 | North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College | England |
| 3 | 4 | DN Colleges Group | England |
| = | 4 | Elidyr Communities Trust | Wales |
| = | 4 | New College Lanarkshire | Scotland |
| = | 4 | NPTC Group of Colleges | Wales |
