Bridgend College hosts the grand finale of the WorldSkills UK torch relay
07/11/2025As the WorldSkills UK national finals draw closer, World Skills UK finalists gathered at the College’s Pencoed Campus to be part of the Olympic-style torch relay that has travelled the length and breadth of Wales.
WorldSkills UK finalists, former competitors and medallists, employers, students and staff came together to celebrate the summit of the torch’s journey across Wales in one celebration. The torch has journeyed through colleges and training providers nationwide, each stop marked by special events to honour its arrival. The relay showcases the passion, talent and dedication of competitors, while uniting communities and employers in celebration of skills excellence.
After celebrations at the Pencoed Campus, former and current World Skills UK finalists and medalists Melody and Sophie visited the construction site of the College’s new Town Centre Campus to proudly showcase the torch and the ambition that the torch represents. The design of the torch emulates the ambitions of competitors and the growing expertise that will carry their futures forward.
For the first time, five venues across South Wales will host the WorldSkills UK national finals which will take place later this month, including Bridgend College. The College is proudly hosting competitions across nine disciplines, from Industrial Robotics to Landscaping and Plumbing at the Pencoed Campus. Fifteen outstanding students and apprentices from Bridgend College have secured a place at the national finals of the prestigious WorldSkills UK Competitions. After demonstrating excellence in their vocational skill at the qualifiers, the fifteen students and apprentices will now compete against the top learners from across the UK at the national finals.
“It is a momentous occasion for us today as we welcomed the WorldSkills UK torch. We are incredibly proud of our students who take part in skills competitions, as it puts a real focus on the value of vocational skills education and the opportunities this brings.
“We’re the final destination on the torch relay so we’re now looking ahead to hosting competitions later this month and showcasing our exceptional facilities at Bridgend College. This year, Wales has its largest ever team of competitors, and we are thrilled to be playing an integral part in that.”
Hayley Thomas, Vice Principal – Curriculum and Quality
As part of hosting the week-long WorldSkills UK competitions later this month, the College is welcoming hundreds of local school students to showcase vocational skills excellence through a number of interactive workshops. This is in addition to a skills discussion panel with employers and partners.
