Haverfordwest student among those recognised as Wales celebrates rising talent

TALENTED learners from across Wales have been recognised for their skills and dedication at this year’s Skills Competition Wales awards – with Pembrokeshire among those celebrating success.

The awards ceremony, held at Rhyl Pavilion on Wednesday (Mar 18), saw 287 competitors honoured following months of regional contests. In total, 97 gold, 94 silver and 95 bronze medals were awarded, highlighting the strength of technical education across the country.

More than 1,100 learners took part in this year’s competition programme, which continues to expand in line with the needs of the Welsh economy. A total of 65 competitions were held – six more than last year – including new categories focused on sustainability, enterprise and inclusive skills development.

Participation also increased, with 1,168 learners competing overall. This included 223 learners in inclusive competitions – an 11.5% rise – alongside a 7% increase in mainstream entrants.

Among those recognised was Bethany Price, 17, from Haverfordwest (pictured), who achieved a Highly Commended award in Metal Fabrication (Lead Work).

Bethany, who studies at Pembrokeshire College, said the experience had boosted both her skills and confidence.

She said: “Taking part in skills competitions has given me so many skills I wouldn’t have gained otherwise – from the overall experience to the tips and techniques I’ve learned from my tutors.

“I’m already using those skills in my day-to-day work, and it’s helped me feel more confident when speaking to new people and working under pressure.

“Just taking part has been amazing and has given me a real edge on my CV. I’m really proud to have achieved a Highly Commended medal, especially as a full-time learner competing against apprentices.”

The competition is delivered through the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales project and funded by the Welsh Government. It provides a pathway for learners to progress to national and international stages, including WorldSkills UK, EuroSkills and WorldSkills International.

Paul Evans, Project Director, said the standard this year reflected growing strength across multiple sectors.

He said: “The depth of talent continues to grow year on year. From first-time competitors to those progressing to international pathways, learners across Wales are demonstrating real excellence.

“We’ve expanded the programme to include new categories and more inclusive formats, ensuring learners of all abilities have the opportunity to showcase what they can achieve.”

Welsh Government Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant, added: “These competitions highlight the strength of Wales’ skills system and its close links with industry.

“They help learners develop not only technical ability, but also teamwork, confidence and problem-solving skills – all of which are essential for the workplace.”

Applications for WorldSkills UK 2026 close on Thursday (Mar 27), with Welsh competitors also in contention to represent the UK at the international finals in Shanghai later this year.

For more information, visit inspiringskills.gov.wales.

REFORM UK has gained its first county council seat in Pembrokeshire following a seven-way battle for a ward made vacant following the death of veteran councillor Mike Stoddart.

Cllr Mike Stoddart, who passed away in January, represented Milford Haven’s Hakin ward, and had been a county councillor for more than two decades, having first been elected in 2004, with wife Vivien and daughter Tessa Hodgson also having county seats, Hubberston and Lamphey respectively, with Tessa also serving as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care.

The late Cllr Stoddart was well-known as an outspoken councillor, critical of failings and injustices, as he had been when he set up the Milford Mercury newspaper with his family before he became a councillor.

In later years, Cllr Stoddart also held an often-critical mirror to council and councillor activities through his popular Old Grumpy website.

Following his death a by-election was held for the Hakin ward, with the count taking place on March 17, initially with an eight-way fight for the seat.

That eight-way fight was reduced to seven when Labour candidate Nicola Harteveld, who set up charity foundation the Megan’s Starr Foundation, withdrew her candidacy after allegations a family member was harassed during her campaigning.

Those standing for the ward included parties the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Welsh Conservatives, Reform, the Green Party, and three independents.

Results for the ward, which saw a 32.7 per cent voter turnout were: Derrick William Charles Abbott, Independent, 11 votes; Samuel Robert Booth, Wales Green Party, 85; Lee James Bridges, Independent, 106; Duncan Ritchie Edwards, Independent, 52; Brian Kelvin Taylor, Welsh Conservative Party, 144; Samuel Warden, Welsh Liberal Democrats, 57; Scott Michael Thorley, Reform UK, 179.

Nicola Catherine Harteveld, Welsh Labour, who withdrew her candidacy, still attracted 27 votes.

Winner Scott Thorley had previously unsuccessfully stood as a Reform candidate for the Prendergast Haverfordwest ward seat made vacant following the resignation of local county councillor Andrew Edwards.

He was later co-opted on to Haverfordwest Town Council.

Speaking after his Hakin ward win, the-now Cllr Thorley said: “It was a massive honour to win last night and I’m more than aware I’ve got some massive shoes to fill in Hakin.

“I’ve already started work this morning and have responded to four residents first thing.

“People in Hakin just want the basics done right and someone they can reach out with any issues they have; I will be that person.”

A PUBLIC consultation on the early stage of plans to secure community allotments in a north Pembrokeshire village through a community group share purchase is to be held later this month.

Community Benefit Society, St Dogmaels Growers CBS, is holding the meeting at St Dogmaels Church Hall on March 28, 10-4pm.

It said St Dogmaels Road Allotments, alongside the river between St Dogmaels and Cardigan, and were set up by a handful of people who got together to find some land in St Dogmaels to establish allotments for the community.

The site, Keewaydin Field, was leased from the owner Paul Welch, who having moved away from the area, was keen that the community should develop allotments on his field.

Fifteen years later, there are currently 67 plot-holders working the land, from across both Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

“Paul sadly died in a tragic accident in 2021, and the land was inherited by his two sons. Understandably, no longer living in the area, they have decided to put the land up for sale, in late spring 2026, in the hope that the purchasers will continue to fulfil their father’s wishes,” St Dogmaels Growers CBS said.

“Our goal is to raise funds to purchase the land, not only to ensure the established allotments are secured for the future, but to preserve this beautiful green space for the wider community, and generations to come, and ensure that Paul’s dream continues to flourish.

“As a newly formed Community Benefit Society, St Dogmaels Growers CBS, we will be launching a community share offer later this year, with our main objective being to purchase the land on which the allotments are situated, along with the surrounding area which is currently overgrown and cluttered with debris. Once cleared, we hope to invite community groups to share our space.”

The group added: “From the monoculture of an agricultural field, Keewaydin Field has evolved into a mosaic of amazing habitats, across a patchwork of plots, bordered by a meadow orchard, mature hedgerows, woodland and mature riverbank trees.

“We not only grow healthy organic food, but we have created a thriving interconnected ecosystem, between the urban settlements of St Dogmaels and Cardigan.

“At the meeting, we will be displaying our short, medium and long-term aims for our project, along with heart-felt testimonials of all those that have benefited from the peace and tranquillity of this special location.

“We would really appreciate hearing your views, to establish what the community needs and how we can work together to meet those needs. We have already started preparing a dedicated community food plot where we will be growing donations for local food projects.”

It finished: “We started off as just a small village allotment group, but with the help of our community, together, we could preserve this precious space for the future.”