Melody is currently in her final year at Bridgend College, studying for a Diploma in Animation and working towards a UAL qualification. With graduation on the horizon, she’s planning to take a gap year to focus on her training, gaining experience through work placements and internships as part of her WorldSkills UK journey, with her eyes firmly set on the chance to compete at WorldSkills Shanghai in 2026.
Her journey into WorldSkills UK began through a series of competitions, starting with Skills Wales. She eventually found her way into the Graphic Design category and competed at the WorldSkills UK National Finals 2024 in Manchester. It was through this event that she earned her spot in Squad UK. Melody describes the experience as a challenging but rewarding process, saying, “I went through a lot of competitions, starting with Skills Wales. I ended up competing in Graphic Design at WorldSkills UK in Manchester — and that’s how I was able to opt into Squad UK.”
Being selected to represent Team UK was a surreal and exciting moment for Melody. “It’s a really exciting achievement — something I didn’t think would be possible,” she said. “I didn’t expect it, but it’s so nice to be part of it.” Her friends, family, lecturers, and everyone around her have shared in the joy and pride of her achievement. “They’re all quite excited,” she added.
To prepare for EuroSkills Herning 2025, Melody is undergoing remote training with her training manager, Jodi. She’s working on a range of ongoing tasks to develop her skills and is looking forward to attending the WorldSkills UK bootcamp to further enhance both her technical abilities and personal development.
She notes that taking part in the skills competitions has already had a significant impact on her college work, helping her handle pressure more effectively, manage deadlines better, and understand briefs with greater clarity. The training has also helped her gain experience with industry-standard software—skills that are transferable to concept art and storyboard work, areas in which Melody hopes to build a career. WorldSkills UK has provided her with a strong foundation to work towards this goal, and she views the competition as an important stepping stone.
She’s especially looking forward to the scale and energy of EuroSkills Herning 2025. “It’s a big stage with a lot of pressure representing the UK — but it’s super exciting! I’m so grateful to WorldSkills UK for this opportunity. It’s an amazing experience to be part of, especially as I work towards the chance to compete at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.”
When asked if she’d recommend WorldSkills UK to other students, her answer is an enthusiastic yes. “The competition really helps you grow — both professionally and personally,” she says. “It’s an incredible experience.”
Follow Melody‘s journey @WorldSkills UK
Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for EuroSkills Herning 2025 and WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Find out how the WorldSkills UK Learning Lab can support apprentices and learners.
