We are proud to sponsor the Metal Fabricator category at the WorldSkills UK 2025 competition. As a champion of developing future engineering talent, WorldSkills UK provides an outstanding platform that brings together young people from all backgrounds and abilities. For EAL, this event is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the best of UK engineering and showcase the dedication, innovation and skill shaping the sector’s future.
The timing couldn’t be better for a new generation of metal fabricators to step forward and show what they can do. As part of the Enginuity Group, EAL works tirelessly to help close the growing skills gap within UK engineering and manufacturing. With major investment opportunities emerging through the Government’s Industrial Strategy, now is a crucial time to equip the workforce with the skills that will power national growth.
The Industrial Strategy identifies six ‘frontier industries’ with the greatest potential for growth, and metal fabrication has a vital role to play in every one of them. From agri-tech to aerospace, success depends on a workforce equipped with advanced technical expertise and a mindset for innovation. For employers, the opportunity to build capability and strengthen competitiveness through skills development has never been greater.
Yet, the challenge remains significant. Rising costs for entry-level workers and ongoing energy price pressures are making it increasingly difficult for employers to attract and retain skilled staff. The result is a widening skills gap that risks holding back productivity and innovation. At the current rate, new roles are being created faster than employers can fill them. That’s why EAL is committed to working closely with industry partners, training providers and policymakers to ensure the engineering workforce of tomorrow is ready to meet demand.
EAL collaborates directly with employer groups to identify the skills and competencies most in demand across engineering and manufacturing. This partnership approach ensures that our qualifications reflect real industry needs, helping employers stay productive, meet targets and maintain growth. Metal fabrication is one of the most at-risk occupational areas. According to WorldSkills UK, the UK faces a shortage of around 35,000 skilled professional welders, a shortfall that requires urgent action to safeguard the sector’s future.
Based on the findings of our extensive skills research, EAL develops career-boosting qualifications designed to equip learners with practical, relevant experience. These qualifications are delivered through our network of expert training providers across the UK, ensuring high standards and strong employer alignment. To further support this mission, EAL is entering End-Point Assessments for two Level 3 welding standards, Pipe Welding and Plate Welding. These standards will help learners build rewarding careers in metal fabrication and welding, contributing directly to industry growth and sustainability.
Our sponsorship of the Metal Fabricator category at WorldSkills UK 2025 is a natural extension of EAL’s commitment to developing skills excellence. Like WorldSkills UK, we believe that supporting young people to develop world-class skills not only transforms individual careers but also strengthens entire industries.
“Alison Parkes, Managing Director of EAL, said:
“We’re proud to sponsor the Metal Fabricator category at WorldSkills UK 2025. Supporting this competition reflects our commitment to developing the next generation of skilled metal fabricators and highlighting the incredible talent within the sector. Competitions like WorldSkills UK play a crucial role in inspiring excellence and raising industry standards, and we’re excited to see the impressive skills on display.”
By working together, EAL and WorldSkills UK are helping to close the engineering skills gap, ensuring that the next generation of metal fabricators and engineers have the knowledge, confidence and ability to drive the UK’s industrial future forward.
