Coleg Gwent takes centre stage at WorldSkills UK final

Coleg Gwent was selected as one of only five locations across South Wales to play host to the WorldSkills UK finals last week, as the competition took place in Wales for the first time in the country’s history.  

Six talented students from Coleg Gwent were selected from hundreds of entrants to compete in the competition final in recognition of their skills across a range of disciplines. They competed in everything from hairdressing and beauty to 3D Game Art — successfully bringing home five medals and placing third in the league table. 

Nicola Gamlin, Coleg Gwent’s Principal said: “We’re incredibly proud of our students competing at the WorldSkills UK Finals. Their achievements reflect the high-quality skills, teaching and resources available at Coleg Gwent.”  

She added: “These competitions give young people invaluable experiences — opening their eyes to new possibilities, building their confidence and showcasing the exceptional potential within our region.” 

The silver medal was awarded to 18-year-old Shakaya Powell, a trainee beauty therapist from Newport. Shakaya has always had a passion for creativity and is so dedicated to perfecting her craft, that she frequently went into college on her days off to refine routines and perfect her skills.   

While studying her course at Coleg Gwent, Shakaya was also supporting a close friend through her battle with cancer — a battle her friend sadly lost. The experience was heartbreaking for Shakaya, but it strengthened her determination to succeed.  

In her first year competing in the beauty category, Shakaya said: “My best friend passed away on the day I found out I was a World Skills UK Finalist — which was devastating but at the same time I believe it was a sign from her telling me to carry on and compete for her. Balancing my studies with grief was tough at times, but I’ve realised that if you are determined and you set your mind on something, anything is possible.  

“Competing has been an incredible experience. It has not only opened the door to new opportunities, but it has also helped me to develop my skills, while giving me the chance to form some amazing friendships along the way”.  

In addition to hosting the World Skills Final, Coleg Gwent held a skills showcase event for local secondary schools from across the region. The event was designed to offer young learners the chance to explore the breadth of opportunities available at the college, while also having the chance to acquire a new skill.  

Pupils from Newport High School, St Julian’s School, Bedwas High School and Llanwern High School attended the event where they took part in a range of hands-on skills demonstrations and explored a freshers’-fair-style employers’ exhibition. Leading employers including Wilmot & Dixon, Gwent Police and the Army, offered immersive activities ranging from virtual reality experiences to a Cyber Escape Room. 

Richard Wheeler, Skills Competition Manager said: “Hosting the WorldSkills UK Finals at Coleg Gwent has given our students and the local school children an incredible opportunity to see high-level skills in action, sparking inspiration and showcasing potential career pathways in high-demand industries” 

WorldSkills UK is a four-nations partnership between education, industry and UK governments — which works to raise standards in apprenticeships and technical education to help transform the UK into a ‘skills economy’. 

In support of this, the annual WorldSkills UK competition seeks to recognise and celebrate the exceptional work and skills being showcased at local colleges, training providers, workplaces and online education platforms across the country.  

Visit our Skills competition page to find out more.