COMPETITORS from colleges in North Wales have been awarded 62 medals for their successes at last night (March 9)’s Skills Competition Wales awards. 

This followed a series of regional competitions that took place across Wales, hosting a string of talented young people.

Throughout January and February, 1,242 representatives from Wales battled it out to be named the best in the country at their chosen skill, with North Wales securing a total of 25 gold, 20 silver and 17 bronze medals.

At a virtual awards ceremony, winners were able to receive acknowledgement for the demonstration of their skills and hard work.

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Students at both Coleg Cambria and Grwp Llandrillo Menai gathered to watch and celebrate their achievements in front of their friends and family.

North Wales representatives competed against learners in a number of sectors to be named the best in the country at their chosen skill.

Categories included photography, industrial robotics, popular music and welding.

Gold medallist, Chloe Bidwell, who competed in the joinery category, said: “I’ve really enjoyed the whole experience.

“I love my apprenticeship and building houses and have been able to create bespoke pieces through these competitions. It’s taught me so much.

“Winning a medal is incredible – not just because of the effort I’ve put in, but also the commitment from the colleges in preparing me.

“My apprenticeship workplace at Varsity Living has been supportive throughout the whole process too.

“To begin with, competing in a male dominant category was quite nerve wracking, but the guys were all lovely and supportive.

“However, it would be lovely to see more females and familiar faces competing.”

The finalists of Skills Competition Wales will have the opportunity to compete in the national and international competitions of WorldSkills UK, EuroSkills and WorldSkills International, subject to a further round of applications.

Applications for this year’s WorldSkills UK competitions close later this month.

Next year, Lyon, France will be hosting the 47th International WorldSkills competition otherwise known as the “Skills Olympics”.

A total of 38 competitors across Wales have started their training journeys in hope of representing Team UK at Lyon 2024, and possibly being crowned the best in the world at their chosen skill.

Minister for economy, Vaughan Gething, said: “Skills Competition Wales is an excellent platform for young people to challenge themselves and put their skills to the test.

“Having supported and attended several of the competitions in the past, I have seen first-hand the amazing talent Wales has to offer.

“I was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of the participants. Their passion for their craft was evident as they put their best foot forward and competed for top honours.

“It is inspiring to witness young people take pride in what they do and strive to be the very best versions of themselves.

“Programmes like Skills Competition Wales help to promote a culture of growth and excellence at every level.

“I’d like to congratulate each and every competitor on their accomplishments this far. Each of you have a very exciting journey ahead.

Mari Lovgreen, who introduced the winners alongside fellow presenter Ameer Davies-Rana during the celebration event, added: "It's been lovely to be a part of the Skills Competition Wales awards for yet another year.

“It’s not often that you get so many talented young people together under one roof, so to be able to host the event virtually and have all the competitors’ friends and families join us to celebrate was a really special occasion.”