Overview

Web Developers are the architects behind the websites and web applications we use every day. Proficiency in web development languages remains one of the most in-demand skill sets in the tech job market. JavaScript, alongside PHP, continues to sit at the core of modern web development, as an increasing number of applications transition from traditional platforms to the web environment. In this competition, the primary focus is on industry-standard web technologies, combining JavaScript across both client-side and server-side development, alongside PHP for robust backend implementation. While web backends can be built using a variety of programming languages and frameworks, the emphasis here reflects the dominant technologies commonly used in modern web ecosystems.

The skills you need to demonstrate

  • Creativity & critical thinking

  • Effective communication

  • Time management

  • Attention to detail

  • Problem solving

  • UI/UX understanding

  • Database skills

  • API Integration

  • Strong JavaScript skills

  • Proficiency in HTML & CSS

  • Server-side development (PHP and/or JS)

Web development integrates multiple disciplines, including user interface design, HTML & CSS, client-side scripting with JavaScript, server-side development (using JavaScript and PHP), and database management to ensure the creation of robust, scalable, and accessible web platforms. A key aspect of the role is ensuring that websites are user-friendly and accessible to everyone, everywhere, regardless of the device being used.

A Web Developer’s role is multifaceted, requiring a balance of hard and soft skills to build effective, secure, and accessible web solutions. Combined, these skills enable developers to navigate the complexities of web development while delivering user-centred products.

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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

Entry criteria

  • This is an individual competition.
  • There is no limit to the number of competitors permitted to enter this competition per organisation (Disclaimer: For the Qualifier Stage, a maximum of three competitors per organisation may progress).
  • Competitors should be familiar with the core competencies (these can be found in the Technical Handbook, Core Competencies > Matrix) and must be currently working towards, or have completed within the last 12 months, a qualification equivalent to Level 3/4. This includes A-levels, T-Level, National Diplomas, HNCs, BTEC, Advanced Apprenticeships, NVQ 3/4, Degree Apprenticeships, or the equivalent in Scotland (SCQF Level 6/7) and Wales (CQFW Level 3/4). University students who are studying at Level 4 or equivalent, such as those pursuing an HNC or the first year of a degree program, are also eligible to participate.

How it works

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

Entry Stage will be released on Monday 3 March with a final deadline of 20 April, 2025.

Qualifiers will take place between 5 May, 2025 to 27 June, 2025 (Exact dates will vary by competition).

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 tools 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.

Competitors who are age eligible and have achieved the benchmark score will be invited to opt into Squad UK for the WorldSkills 2028 cycle, subject to the skill progressing to the international competition cycle.

Contact details

val.adamescu@port.ac.uk

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Kickstart a career in Web Development

Looking to start a career in Web Development? Whether you’re taking your first step or making a career change, we have all the essential information you need to begin your journey towards becoming a successful Web Developer. Explore the skills, tools, and resources that will help you build a solid foundation in coding, problem-solving, and creating user-focused web applications. 

Learn more about this career

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