TWO Pembrokeshire College learners are setting out on a journey of a lifetime, in an intrepid bid to do the UK proud at the next WorldSkills Competition; to be held in Shanghai in September 2026.

Following their success in the national skills competitions, beauty therapy learner Erin Owens and welder Luke Roberts will now join an intensive 18-month training programme with the hope of being selected for the team that will represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai in autumn 2026.

Known as the ‘skills olympics’, it is the first time China has hosted the prestigious WorldSkills competition. The event will see 1,500 young people travel to Shanghai from over 80 counties to compete in technical skill disciplines from engineering, manufacturing and technology through to creative, digital and hospitality, in front of an audience of 250,000.

On making it through to Squad UK, Luke commented: “I am excited about the opportunity ahead and eager to contribute. I have already commenced my training with Carl Parish in Wrexham, and with the high-quality training I received at Pembrokeshire College, combined with my experience at Haven Engineering, I am confident in my ability to handle any tasks assigned to me. It’s a huge honour to be selected to compete, I’m looking forward to the journey ahead.”

The WorldSkills competition is considered by global experts as the ultimate test of a nation’s ability to meet future skills needs. It is attended by government representatives, educationalists and leading employers from across the globe.

Pembrokeshire College has a long history of learners making it through to UK Squad training with carpenter Chris Caine and chef Sam Everton making it through to the World Finals in Russia in 2019 where they were both highly commended in their respective competitions.

College Principal, Dr Barry Walters commented: “We are exceptionally proud of Erin and Luke for earning their place in Squad UK—a testament to their talent, dedication, and hard work. This opportunity to compete at the highest level is not just about showcasing their skills but about pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and striving for excellence. As they embark on this intensive journey towards the world finals, they carry with them the spirit of our College, inspiring others to dream big and achieve even bigger. We wish them every success!”

WorldSkills UK uses its participation in the international WorldSkills competition to promote skills excellence across the UK, and by working with education, industry and UK governments it is embedding world class training standards throughout the skills sector. This is helping to meet the demand for a highly skilled workforce in crucial sectors including engineering, digital, manufacturing and construction.

The UK will be competing in over 30 skills at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, including 3D Digital Game Art, Robot Systems Integration and Renewable Energy.

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to both Erin and Luke on being selected for our training programme for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Together with the other members on our programme, they will be developing the right skills to fuel business growth across our economy. With WorldSkills being hosted in Shanghai next year, it provides a fantastic platform for us to work closely with China, where we know skills excellence is a priority, to collaborate, innovate and learn from the very best in the world.”

Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications said: “Pearson is proud to sponsor Team UK! Boosting the profile and prestige of technical and vocational education is incredibly important to us and I wish this talented group of 86 young people from across the country the best of luck as they begin their training programme towards competing in Shanghai.”

Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Shanghai, following a successful partnership at WorldSkills Lyon in 2024.

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have confirmed that a second person has died following the serious collision on the A4183 between the Llangennech roundabout and the Crematorium roundabout on Wednesday, April 2.

The driver of the black Peugeot involved in the crash sadly died in hospital on Saturday (April 5).

A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the families at this difficult time.”

Officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone who may be able to help is asked to contact police online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, you can text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Please quote reference: 25*271914.

Residents evacuated as crews tackle blaze for over three hours

A HOUSE in the Tregynwr area of Carmarthen has collapsed following a major fire on Monday evening (Apr 7).

The blaze broke out at around 6:50pm at a two-storey terraced home on Haulfryn, Llangunnor. Fire crews arrived to find the property “well alight” and fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters from Carmarthen, Tumble, Kidwelly, Pontyates, Whitland and Morriston were called in to tackle the blaze, using four hose reel jets, six sets of breathing apparatus, a turntable ladder, and a safety jet to bring the fire under control.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the house sustained such extensive damage that it “fully collapsed.” Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries.

An adjoining house was checked and found to be safe from fire spread, but neighbours were evacuated overnight as a precaution.

The fire prompted a multi-agency response, with Dyfed-Powys Police managing road closures, and support on site from Western Power and Wales & West Utilities.

Fire crews left the scene at 10:06pm but returned later to damp down remaining hotspots and ensure the area was safe.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.