Two talented young students from South Wales will join five other Welsh competitors as part of Team UK at EuroSkills 2025, Europe’s largest skills competition.
Melody, a Graphic Design student from Abergwynfi, and Finn, a Web Technology student studying at Cardiff University, are part of a standout group of seven Welsh competitors on the 19-member Team UK – meaning Wales make up an impressive 37% of the team.
Their participation highlights Wales’ commitment to excellence in vocational skills and underscores the nation’s ability to compete at the highest level on the European stage.
Melody’s journey
Melody, 19, began her journey with a Bronze medal at Skills Competition Wales last year before being selected for Team UK.
Melody said: “Being selected for Team UK was a welcome surprise, but I’m thrilled and it just goes to show you shouldn’t ever give up on yourself. The competitions have taught me how to manage pressured situations, and it’s massively improved my technical skills for future employment. I’m really looking forward to competing on a bigger stage in Denmark and making Wales proud.”
In addition to positively impacting her college work and her career prospects, Melody’s favourite aspect of competing has been the camaraderie between competitors.
She continued: “Training for the competitions has given me the opportunity to bond with others who share similar interests. It’s been great to keep in touch with fellow competitors, learn from them, and network with employers from across the UK.
“It’s been amazing to be part of something so big. Whatever the outcome, I’ve improved my CV, made new friends and been given a once in a lifetime experience.”
Finn’s journey
Finn, also 19, started his journey eighteen months ago when Cardiff University advertised qualifiers for the nationals. After placing joint third at the national finals in November, he secured a place on Team UK.
The competitions have boosted Finn’s confidence and skills, and helped prepare him with skills to succeed in his second-year modules at university.
He said: “Competing has given boosted my confidence, not only with my university work but especially in my career. It’s helped me land a part-time job as a web developer and an internship, opportunities I’m incredibly grateful for.”
Finn is also excited at the prospect of travelling abroad for the very first time, as well as networking and learning from others in the industry.
He continued: “It’s been great to speak with people from all different fields and learn from their experiences. I’ve never been abroad before, so it’s going to be a new experience but one that I can’t wait for.”
Competitions in Wales are delivered by Inspiring Skills, a Welsh Government-funded initiative dedicated to promoting vocational excellence. Through Skills Competition Wales and international training support, it helps young people develop expert skills, gain confidence, and represent Wales on international stages.
EuroSkills is a vital stepping stone toward the ultimate stage – WorldSkills Shanghai in 2026, often dubbed the ‘skills Olympics’.
Both Finn and Melody are already setting their sights on competing globally, aiming to inspire the next generation of professionals in Wales and beyond.
To start your skills competition in Wales and for more information on how you can get involved as a competitor, employer, or skills champion, go to: https://inspiringskills.gov.wales/