The growing use of skills competitions by organisations to develop workplace-ready talent is reflected in this year’s WorldSkills UK Competitions, with 400 apprentices and students qualifying for the prestigious National Finals.
The finalists, announced today, have earned their place after progressing through a series of qualifiers, where they demonstrated exceptional technical ability across more than 40 skill disciplines. They will now compete in the WorldSkills UK National Finals which will take place in venues across South Wales from 17-20 November.
Increased participation from higher education institutes (an increase of 42%) and training providers (an increase of 37%) this year reflects a growing competitiveness amongst different providers for places in the finals, with educators making the most of the opportunity for learners to build their skills and confidence through the competition stages. Organisations are increasingly recognising that competition-based learning accelerates technical skills, builds confidence and resilience, and develops the professional behaviours needed to succeed in the workplace.
In addition to the finalist’s announcement, WorldSkills UK has announced the six competitors who have reached the finals of the new Esports competition which is currently a demonstration competition in the WorldSkills UK portfolio.
The Esports competition tests competitors’ ability to generate viable enterprise ideas, conduct meaningful market research, and produce a realistic business plan for a start-up within one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. Finalists will go on to showcase their talent at the WorldSkills UK National Finals, where they will demonstrate the creativity, commercial awareness and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in the sector. With ambitions for the competition to become a permanent part of the WorldSkills UK portfolio from next year, its introduction reflects WorldSkills UK’s commitment to championing emerging industries, developing the future talent pipelines the UK economy needs.
Mark Smallman, Operations Director, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to everyone who has secured a place in this year’s WorldSkills UK National Finals. Reaching this stage is a fantastic achievement and recognition that you are among the UK’s most talented apprentices and students. Every finalist should be incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished.
“Our competitions recreate the pace, pressures and standards of the workplace, challenging competitors to solve problems, think critically and perform at their very best. It’s encouraging to see the diversity of learners taking part continue to increase, reflecting the growing reach of skills excellence across the UK. That’s why organisations are embracing skills competitions as part of their teaching practices, they see first-hand how the experience builds confidence, resilience and the skills people need to be truly work ready.”
Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee, Chief Executive, UVAC said: ” The growth in higher education (HE) participation in UK skills competitions reflects the sector’s desire to maximise its contribution to technical training, to creating progression to the professions and to increasing individual opportunity. How satisfying to be able to celebrate and publicly recognise outstanding performance by learners and institutions. UVAC believes that the diversity of the HE sector is a key strength and that most universities and HE institutions have a role to play in the design and delivery of vocational education and skills provision.”
Jill Nichols, Director of Competence and Compliance, Building Engineering Services Association said: “In a sector facing growing demand for skilled professionals, these competitors are setting the benchmark for excellence. Reaching the WorldSkills UK National Finals is a remarkable achievement, and we are proud to support the next generation of RACHP talent as they showcase their skills to the industry.”
The National Finals will take place from 18 – 20 November 2026. The following venues in South Wales will host the venues:
Bridgend College, Cardiff and Vale College, Coleg Gwent, University of Wales Trinity St David
