Cardiff and Vale College has welcomed the Team Wales Torch as part of its nation-wide relay ahead of its hosting the WorldSkills UK National Finals in November.
The nation-wide journey marks the countdown to the WorldSkills UK National Finals 2026, which will be hosted in Wales for the second time this November. The College is also hosting the finals.
The Team Wales torch is travelling between colleges and training providers to celebrate the achievements of young people preparing to compete in the UK’s largest vocational and technical skills competition.
CAVC will have 15 competitors in the WorldSkills UK Finals, taking part in a wider range of Finals than ever before, including Automotive Body Repair, Culinary Arts, Cyber Security, Digital Media Production, Foundation Creative Media, Foundation Restaurant Services, Restaurant Services and SFX Make-Up.
One of the College’s competitors is Hospitality learner Charlie Burton, who recently taught First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth how to flambé when he visited CAVC’s City Centre Campus.
“It means so much to me to get involved in the WorldSkills UK Finals,” Charlie said. “I’ve learnt to much in College and getting to put into practice the skills I’ve continued to develop is a great opportunity.”
Charlie would recommend taking part in skills competitions such as WorldSkills UK.
“I’d say just go for it – make sure you say yes to everything,” he said. “I’ve met so many interesting people and had so many great opportunities through WorldSkills just by putting myself out there and deciding to give it a go, so just take whatever opportunities you can get.
“The most memorable moment for me so far was being given the chance to meet the First Minister and show him how to flambé. It was so exciting to show off the skills I’ve learnt in my studies to someone who’s so important to Wales.”
The College will host 20 competitions for WorldSkills UK, in disciplines ranging from Automotive Body through to Culinary Arts and SFX Make-Up for Film and TV, plus all eight of the Foundation Skills Finals in a wide range of areas. It is also the venue for a number of wider events and official visits engaging business, government and education leaders in the importance of skills. More than 100 competitors will take part in the contests at CAVC and thousands more from across the region, Wales and UK are set to visit across the week viewing competitions and attending wider events.
Hosting the Finals, presents a unique opportunity, bringing together employers, schools, the community and political leaders in a celebration of skills and their importance. Bridgend College, Coleg Gwent and University of Wales Trinity St Davids will also be hosting competitions through the week.
Cardiff and Vale College Chief Executive and WorldSkills UK Trustee Mike James said: “It is a pleasure to welcome the Team Wales Torch to CAVC. We are hugely excited to host WorldSkills UK Finals in the College’s top-class facilities at our City Centre Campus in Cardiff.
“This is an excellent opportunity to bring together employers and the best young talent in the UK and to act as ambassadors for skills.
“At Cardiff and Vale College we passionately believe in the importance of skills competitions such as WorldSkills UK and the role they play in inspiring people to develop high level skills. Skills are vital for businesses of all sectors and sizes, and for economies across the world. High level skills make businesses better, more capable and efficient, attracting customers and contributing to more prosperous communities and economies.
“That is why WorldSkills UK is so important. It brings these messages together and highlights them on a UK-wide scale, showing employers and governments that investing in skills is investing in the future.”