Overview

The Additive Manufacturing sector is growing along with the rapid emergence of new and innovative 3D Printing, Scanning, and Forming. Resulting in increased industry use flow into the education and research sectors.

This competition focuses on all the essential requirements for a successful career in Additive Manufacturing specialising in CAD software design, alongside FDM 3D Printing and 3D scanning. Competitors will be tested on their performance using innovative Additive Manufacturing skills to prototype and produce 3D models and products.

The skills you need to demonstrate

  • Numerical skills

  • Communication skills

  • Technical knowledge and expertise

  • Methodical

  • Accuracy

  • Attention to detail

  • Problem solving

  • Team working

Useful resources

Prepare for competition success

Our library of endorsed local skills competition briefs ‘benchmarking assessments’ helps prepare learners to build technical skills, productivity, and mindset competencies for national competition success, including employability progression pathways.

Paired with the benchmarking tracker, educators can record progress, identifying strengths and target areas for improvement. Together, they offer a reliable, standards-led framework, creating a sustainable model for skills development that supports educators to empower learners to be competition ready.

Access on the Learning Lab

Contact details

competitions@worldskillsuk.org

Entry criteria

  • This is an individual competition.
  • There is no limit to the number of competitors permitted to enter this competition per organisation. However, if more than two competitors from an organisation score high enough to qualify for the finals, only the top two from that organisation will be invited to take part in the final.
  • The competition is intended for those studying, training and/or working towards a relevant programme of study in 3D Computer Aided Design and Additive. Manufacturing at Level 3 or beyond.
  • Anyone studying in a Sixth Form, Further Education setting, Higher Education setting, or are studying Post-16 Apprenticeships at a Level 3 or above can enter.
  • This is an open competition and no industry experience is needed; competitors should have a maximum of five years’ experience, inclusive of training in a mechanical engineering working environment.
  • Competitors must be familiar with the core competencies these can be found in the National Standard of Excellence in the ‘Useful resources’ section.

How it works

Registrations open on Monday 2 March 2026, 9am and will close Friday 27 March 2026, midnight.

Entry Stage will be released between Monday 3 March with a final deadline of 2 May, 2025 (Exact dates will vary by competition).

Qualifiers will take place on 28 May 2025 (Remote entry)

To help finalists prepare ahead of the UK Final, we will provide relevant technical training and share mindset development techniques, to support them to remain focused on achieving success.

Prepare students and apprentices by engaging with our benchmarking resources to master their skills and mindset masterclasses to build confidence and resilience on the WorldSkills UK Learning Lab.

The National Finals are scheduled to take place in Wales during the week commencing 16 November 2026.

Looking beyond the National finals, there are a host of opportunities for competitors. Age-eligible competitors who show the highest level of skills, passion, and drive to compete will be invited to train for the EuroSkills and WorldSkills international competitions.

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