Community

Wales sparks national pride with skills torch relay ahead of UK finals

Published

2 months ago

October 9, 2025

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

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

3 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

3 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

24 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).