WORD SKILLS & HPP
Cambria leading the way
We’re proud to say we’re one of the highest performing colleges in the WorldSkills UK competitions, and we’ve also been Gold Medal winners for the last five years.
WorldSkills UK is a group of national competitions designed by industry experts to test your knowledge, practical skills and employability in a competitive timed environment. Cambria learners represented 20 of the Welsh finalists who took part in the annual show, winning 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze and 2 Highly Commended, placing Cambria 1st in Wales in the league table.
We were also the Competition Organising Partner for the five Beauty Therapy competitions in 2018 – the first year as a lead partner, arranging and coordinating all the regional heats and the set up and competitions for the finals. In 2017 we had two learners through to the WorldSkills final in Abu Dhabi, with Joe Massey taking home a Medallion of Excellence. Find out more about our gold medal winner and other Coleg competitors in our hall of fame below.
Want to Get Involved?
our Hall of fame
Be inspired by our Coleg Cambria WorldSkills competitors, both past and present. Read their amazing success stories and let them tell you why you should join in at the next competition.
George sears
‘Competing at WorldSkills UK was a really interesting few days and a great experience. It has opened up a lot of avenues for me in the future and I’m really happy that I went out of my comfort zone to take part and came home with the win!’
Advice for anyone who wants to take part?
‘It’s definitely worthwhile taking part, even if you’re nervous about doing it. You will meet great people and get the support you need from the college. It’s an amazing opportunity to help push start your career and gain experience needed in the workplace.’
The best bit about WorldSkills UK
‘The opportunity to take part in a national final was a great experience, but to find out I came first was an amazing feeling!’
sian plant
‘Since Level 1 in Nail Services, my tutor has always tried to encourage me to take part in WorldSkills UK. At Level 3 I found the courage to take part and compete. All the training leading up to the competition has helped me improve my skills. Taking part in WorldSkills UK was such a good experience.’
Advice for anyone who wants to take part?
‘My advice for anyone who wants to take part is to go for it but don’t put pressure on yourself and allow yourself time to train. It is such an amazing experience to make memories too.’
The best bit about WorldSkills UK
‘Seeing all the other competitors’ work, all the different things going on, improving my skills and producing the work that I did. Also receiving my medal!’
tomas davies
‘I thoroughly enjoyed my experience of WorldSkills UK this year; we worked well as a team in the Manufacturing Team Challenge, which resulted in us winning a silver medal. The hard work paid off.’
Advice for anyone who wants to take part?
‘Participating in WorldSkills UK opens up a variety of opportunities to improve our skills which can be taken to our workplaces.’
The best bit about WorldSkills UK
‘Winning our silver medal in the ceremony!’
thomas williamson
‘I really enjoyed my experience at WorldSkills UK and I have gained many skills which have improved my skill set.’
Advice for anyone who wants to take part?
‘I suggest that they prepare as well as they can; preparation is key.’
The best bit about WorldSkills UK
‘It’s very enjoyable. You make great friends, learn some great skills and get some great life experience.’
Oscar Jackson
‘WorldSkills UK is a fantastic opportunity and definitely worth doing.’
Advice for anyone who wants to take part?
‘Don’t even think about it, just do it! Prepare well.’
The best bit about WorldSkills UK
‘The borescoping task was my favourite.’
Alfie Beeson
‘WorldSkills UK is a fantastic opportunity and definitely worth doing.’
Advice for anyone who wants to take part?
‘Don’t even think about it, just do it! Prepare well.’
The best bit about WorldSkills UK
‘The borescoping task was my favourite.’
Cameron Pemberton
‘I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of doing the Manufacturing Team Challenge with the rest of my team.’
Advice for anyone who wants to take part?
‘Work as hard as you can on the task as it will make it easier in the competition.’
The best bit about WorldSkills UK
‘The awards ceremony.’
David Duncan
‘Competing in WorldSkills UK was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have gained a lot of experience that will help me progress my career.’
Advice for anyone who wants to take part?
‘Practise as much as you can. Focus and determination is key.’
The best bit about WorldSkills UK
‘Meeting like-minded individuals.’
Ieuan Evans
‘My Worldskills UK experience was filled with many life changing moments; I learnt how to work in a team and find new ways to get round things if a problem occurs. I also learnt to take time, and how to re-evaluate a situation.’
Advice for anyone who wants to take part?
‘Plan for each step week by week. Build lots of prototypes. Understand things will go wrong. Have a plan B.’
The best bit about WorldSkills UK
‘Meeting new people from different teams and different competitions and having the chance to compete in front of a large crowd.’
Kim McKee
‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience and I believe the skills I have learnt will benefit me in both my personal life and professional career.’
Advice for anyone who wants to take part?
‘I would recommend taking part in WorldSkills UK as it is an amazing opportunity to showcase your skills and learn new ones.’
The best bit about WorldSkills UK
‘Meeting new people and learning from new experiences.’
Lewis Rock
‘WorldSkills UK was a challenging but very rewarding experience, it has given me skills and knowledge I never thought I’d have. Competing in WorldSkills UK has made me stronger and more determined to succeed, as well as boosting my confidence.’
Advice for anyone who wants to take part?
‘Eat healthily. Don’t give up; if something goes wrong take plenty of breaks. Make new friends and reward yourself.’
The best bit about WorldSkills UK
‘Meeting new people and learning different skills.’
Laura Green
‘I had an amazing experience at the WorldSkills UK final, learning new things and meeting new people. It’s an experience I will never forget and highly recommend it to anyone who is given the opportunity to compete.’
Advice for anyone who wants to take part?
‘I highly recommend it to anyone who is up for a challenge in their respective field as it’s a great experience and an amazing opportunity. Competing really gives you the chance to test and push yourself.’
The best bit about WorldSkills UK
‘Meeting new people. Trying new tools. Pushing my limits.’
Balázs Sparing
‘When I joined Airbus as an apprentice in 2014 I was nominated for the competition by my college tutor and since then it’s been quite a challenge to get through the elimination phases to reach this stage.’
Balázs studied an Airbus Aero-systems Apprenticeship and competed in WorldSkills UK Aero Engineering – Mechanical Competitions. He won silver at the Skills Show in 2016, Bronze in the Regional Competition in 2016 and was selected as a UK Aircraft Maintenance Long Squad member. Balazs also competed at the WorldSkills final in Kazan, Russia in 2019.
Emily Watson
Emily won Silver in Beauty Therapy (Body) at the WorldSkills UK finals.
‘I have really enjoyed competing in the World Skills UK final for a second year. Winning a medal again was just incredible. I have been extremely lucky to have been a part of such a wonderful experience and competing with the top 8 Beauty Therapists in the UK.’
‘Competing has really increased my confidence and helped me achieve so much! The support and training given from Coleg Cambria is amazing! My top tips for anyone wishing to compete in the future would be to go for it and enjoy every minute.’
Davey Brookes
Davey won Gold at the WorldSkills UK finals in Aero Engineering. The apprentice at Airbus also competed to win a place at the WorldSkills final in Kazan, Russia in 2019.
‘Getting through to the final in Kazan in 2019 proves to the world that you are the best in your role, which can only help your future career, proving you’re committed and driven. I’ve always been interested in aircraft and I decided to join Airbus after my A Levels because the apprenticeship route really appealed to me.’
Joshua Jones
‘Joshua competed at the WorldSkills UK finals in Automotive Technology. He is currently a motor vehicle apprentice at Coleg Cambria, Deeside.’
Josh has now been selected for the Long Squad for WorldSkills.
Sinead Beck
Sinead won a Silver medal at the Worldskills UK finals in the Manufacturing Team Challenge. Sinead studied Aeronautical Engineering and is employed by Magellan.
Competing in WorldSkills has developed me so much! Achieving a Silver Medal in the Worldskills UK final has improved my confidence to go out and put myself forward for new things. I am now undergoing training to help me improve even more when competing to get into the short squad and go to Russia. My top tips would be: don’t stress, don’t rush and get plenty of sleep.’
Liam Rock
Liam won Silver at the WorldSkills UK finals in the Manufacturing Team Challenge. Liam studied Aeronautical Engineering and is employed by Magellan.
‘It was a great experience to take part in WorldSkills UK.’
Lewys Rawlings
Lewys competed at the WorldSkills UK finals in Painting & Decorating.
‘The skills competitions have been very hard work and highly competitive. I’ve really enjoyed competing and winning the regional Welsh finals 2 years running. I competed in the WorldSkills UK finals for the last two years. It has given me extra experience and increased my confidence in my work.’
Lewis Nolan
Lewis won silver at the WorldSkills UK finals in the Manufacturing Team Challenge. He studies Aeronautical Engineering and is employed by Magellan.
‘I feel my team and my company have been working really hard and I found the competitions really exciting.’
Kendal Irvine
Kendal won Silver at the WorldSkills UK finals in the Manufacturing Team Challenge and is employed by JCB.
‘Since taking part in WorldSkills UK I’ve really developed in my skills and I’m proud that I have been able to achieve medals whilst representing JCB and Wales. Hard work does pay off!’
Callum Wall
Callum was a WorldSkills UK finalist competing in Mechanical Engineering CAD. He is currently carrying out an apprenticeship at CastAlum and is progressing onto a HNC at Coleg Cambria, Deeside.
‘WorldSkills has improved my ability to problem solve and work in a high pressure environment and has helped me recognise the passion I have for the field I compete in. The competition has helped with my ability to interact with others due to the welcoming nature of the staff and other competitors involved.’
Dylan Edwards
Dylan won Silver at the WorldSkills UK final in the Manufacturing Team Challenge.
‘I have competed in the WorldSkills Manufacturing team challenge for 2 national competitions now, winning a Bronze in 2016 and Silver in 2017. I have also been selected into the long squad to compete at an international level for Russia. I now begin my bespoke training for me to develop my skills for Russia. JCB and college are continuously pushing our team forward for any support that we need along the way.’
‘I would totally recommend this competition as the skills I have learnt I have been able to use at work and my training is just getting started!’
Jordon Hadrill
Jordon Hadrill competed at the WorldSkills UK finals in Sheet Metal Work Technology.
‘I have really enjoyed getting to compete in the regional and national competitions. I feel the competition is a great opportunity to really push yourself and reinforce skills learned.’
George Walker
George won Silver at the WorldSkills UK finals in the Manufacturing Team Challenge.
Competing in WorldSkills has helped me to improve my problem solving skills. My employer has supported us through time off, funds for the project and a dedicated area to work in and college has supported us through various different training and also the use of the machines in the workshops for practice. I would definitely recommend the WorldSkills competitions to other Cambria students as it will not only help develop skills but it is also a very enjoyable experience.’
Karolina Witkowska
‘The competition process has raised my standard of skills to another level. Competing in WorldSkills UK will help me with my future career. It has been a great opportunity to make memories that will stay with me forever.’
Advice for anyone who wants to take part?
‘Keep practising, keep focussed and stay calm.’
The best bit about WorldSkillsUK:
‘Getting advice from the WorldSkills UK judges. It has given me the opportunity to improve my skills and achieve a UK Gold medal. I loved having the chance to meet different competitors from different parts of the UK.’
