Community
Wales sparks national pride with skills torch relay ahead of UK finals
Roadtrip to Excellence celebrates young talent across the nation
WALES is set to host the WorldSkills UK National Finals for the first time ever – and the countdown begins today with a special torch relay celebrating the nation’s rising young talent.
The Roadtrip to Excellence torch relay will travel the length and breadth of Wales, shining a light on the country’s most talented learners, apprentices, employers and educators.

Journey across Wales
Beginning today (Oct 9) at the iconic Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay, the torch will tour every region of Wales, visiting colleges and training providers whose students will compete in the national finals.
Each stop will feature its own community celebration. In Bridgend and Newport, colleges will use state-of-the-art 3D printers to create replicas of the torch, while in North Wales, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Coleg Cambria will stage processions and live demonstrations from previous EuroSkills competitors in Restaurant Services and Aeronautical Engineering.
The Pierhead launch will also welcome home the seven Welsh competitors who represented the UK at EuroSkills Herning 2025 in Denmark – making up an impressive 37% of the UK squad.
The relay will culminate at Bridgend College before the start of the National Finals, uniting young people, tutors, employers and communities in a shared celebration of skill and ambition.
Record Welsh team
This year, Wales will be represented by 131 competitors – the largest team the nation has ever sent. Welsh entrants will make up around 30% of all UK competitors, underlining the strength of the country’s skills training and the success of investment in colleges and facilities.
Wales also leads the UK in the number of entrants to WorldSkills UK’s Foundation competitions, designed for young people with additional learning needs to build practical skills and employability.
The Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant, said the torch relay captures the spirit of a proud national moment.
He said: “The torch relay will bring communities across Wales together in celebration of our incredible young people. This is a proud moment for our nation – not only are we hosting the WorldSkills UK National Finals for the first time, but we are sending 131 young people, our biggest ever team of competitors.
“It’s a chance to showcase the outstanding talent, tutors and facilities that are helping to secure Wales’ economic future.”
Inspiring the next generation
One example is 22-year-old Tamzin Brewer, who reached the 2024 National Finals in CNC Milling. After studying Mechanical Engineering at Coleg Sir Gâr and completing a three-year advanced manufacturing apprenticeship with CBM Wales, Tamzin now works as a Junior Technician at the company’s base at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
Reflecting on her experience, Tamzin said: “Competing in the WorldSkills UK National Finals has been an incredible experience. CNC milling is still a very male-dominated industry, so being here shows that there’s space for women to succeed and push boundaries in advanced manufacturing.
“I’ve learned so much – not just technical skills, but resilience and confidence. I hope my journey inspires more young women to see engineering as an exciting and rewarding career path.”
Colleges take centre stage
Sue Price, Principal of Coleg Cambria, said the event showcases the best of North Wales.
She said: “We are thrilled to be part of this historic moment. Hosting the torch gives us the chance to celebrate our students and staff and to highlight the strength of skills training in North Wales. The relay will inspire future learners, and we’re proud to play our part in Wales’ journey to the finals.”
Spotlight on skills and ambition
The WorldSkills UK National Finals bring together hundreds of the UK’s most talented apprentices and learners across 45 disciplines – from engineering, digital and health to hospitality, construction and the creative industries.
Hosting the event in Wales for the first time will shine a spotlight not only on the nation’s cutting-edge training facilities, such as the new centres of excellence at Bridgend College and Coleg Gwent, but also on the skills and ambition of its young people – the workforce of the future.
To follow the torch’s journey around Wales, follow Tîm Cymru / Team Wales on social media and keep an eye on your local college channels to see when it’s coming to your area.
For more information on Skills Competition Wales and WorldSkills UK, or to learn how to take part as a competitor, tutor or employer, visit: https://inspiringskills.gov.wales.
Community
Pembrokeshire students speak at national Holocaust Memorial Day event
TWO Haverfordwest High School pupils addressed senior political and religious figures and a Holocaust survivor at Wales’ main commemoration in Cardiff
Holocaust Memorial Day was marked in Cardiff this week with a powerful contribution from two Pembrokeshire students, who were invited to speak at Wales’ national commemoration event.
Awel Jones and Olivia Beal, both Year 13 pupils at Haverfordwest High School, attended the ceremony at the Temple of Peace on Monday (Jan 27) in their roles as ambassadors for the Holocaust Educational Trust.
The pair were asked to deliver speeches reflecting on their work with the Trust and their involvement in the “Lessons from Auschwitz” project, which educates young people about the Holocaust and the dangers of prejudice, discrimination and hatred.
They spoke in front of a distinguished audience that included the First Minister for Wales, Eluned Morgan, the Archbishop of Wales, senior civic leaders and Holocaust survivor Peter Lantos.
The national event formed part of Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, which was held under the theme “bridging generations”, highlighting the responsibility of younger generations to carry forward the lessons of the past as the number of living survivors declines.
Awel Jones and Olivia Beal were the only young Holocaust Educational Trust ambassadors representing Wales at the national ceremony, a distinction described as a significant honour for both the students and Pembrokeshire.
A parent said the occasion was “profoundly emotive and important”, adding that being invited to speak at such a high-profile event was an accolade for the students and a reflection of the strength of Holocaust education work taking place locally.
Holocaust Memorial Day is observed annually on January 27, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.
Business
Final wind turbine deliveries completed after months of disruption
Last major component reaches site as Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thank communities for patience
DRAGON LNG and Dragon Energy have confirmed that the final large component for a new wind turbine project has now been successfully delivered, bringing months of complex abnormal load movements on Pembrokeshire roads to an end.
The companies said the final turbine blade was delivered to the site on Wednesday (Jan 28, 2026), marking the completion of all major component deliveries associated with the project.
In a statement, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thanked the local community for its patience and cooperation throughout the delivery programme, acknowledging that the operation caused disruption on local roads.

Residents across parts of the county have previously experienced temporary road closures, traffic delays and police escorts as oversized turbine components were transported from the Port of Milford Haven to the site under tightly controlled conditions.
The abnormal load movements required months of detailed planning and coordination, involving route surveys, traffic management, police support and liaison with local authorities to ensure deliveries were carried out safely and with minimal disruption wherever possible.
The companies also apologised for the inconvenience caused during the delivery phase, saying the support and understanding shown by residents had been “invaluable” in allowing the project to reach this milestone.
A number of organisations were involved in supporting the operation, including Pembrokeshire County Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, haulage specialists Collett & Sons Ltd and Green Light Traffic Management.
Local media outlets, including The Pembrokeshire Herald, provided advance notice and updates during the delivery process to help keep residents informed.
With the final major deliveries now complete, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy said the project would continue to progress to the next phase of construction on site.
Community
New illustrated heritage map unveiled in Narberth town centre
A NEW illustrated heritage and wayfinding map has been installed in Narberth town centre, highlighting the town’s rich architectural history, cultural heritage and key landmarks.
The hand-drawn map has been created by local artist Fran Evans and is part of a wider project aimed at improving interpretation and the visitor experience in Narberth.
The panels have been installed at two prominent locations: the undercroft, also known as Rebecca’s Cell, at the rear of the Old Town Hall, and the existing external display frame at the side of No.47, adjacent to the town’s museum.
Developed and delivered by Narberth Town Council, the project has been funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, with additional match funding provided by the Town Council.

The illustrated map features detailed drawings of historic buildings, local stories and notable points of interest. It is designed to function both as a practical guide for residents and visitors navigating the town, and as a visual celebration of Narberth’s heritage.
Town councillors say the project forms part of a broader effort to enhance how the town’s history is presented in public spaces, making it more accessible and engaging for those visiting the area.
The Town Council has indicated that further information about the project, including background details and images of the newly installed panels, can be made available, along with comments from the artist and council representatives.
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