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Wales Sparks National Pride with Skills Torch Relay Ahead of UK Finals

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WALES is set to host the WorldSkills UK National Finals for the first time ever, and the countdown begins with a torch relay celebrating the nation’s rising young talent.

The Roadtrip to Excellence torch relay will light the way as it travels the length and breadth of Wales, celebrating the very best of our learners, apprentices, employers and educators.  

Beginning at the iconic Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay, the torch will journey across Wales, visiting every region, stopping at colleges and training providers whose students are set to compete in the Finals.

At each stop, the torch will be welcomed with a unique community celebration. In Bridgend and Newport, colleges will showcase their cutting-edge facilities by using 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 world-class demonstrations from previous EuroSkills competitors in Restaurant Services and Aeronautical Engineering.

The Pierhead event also welcomed home and celebrated the achievements of the 7 Welsh competitors who represented the UK at EuroSkills in Herning, Denmark – making up an impressive 37% of the UK squad.

The relay will culminate at Bridgend College before the National Finals begin, uniting young people, tutors, employers and communities in a shared moment of inspiration.

This year, Wales will be represented by 131 competitors – the highest number the nation has ever had. Welsh competitors will make up around 30% of all entrants across the UK, reflecting both the breadth of skills talent in Wales and the impact of investment in training and facilities across the country.

Wales also leads the way in the number of competitors entering WorldSkills UK’s Foundation competitions, which are tailored for young people with additional learning needs (ALN) to develop practical skills and improve their employability prospects.

Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Jack Sargeant said the torch relay will capture the spirit of a “proud moment for our nation”:

“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.”

One example is 22-year-old Tamzin Brewer, who reached the WorldSkills UK National Finals in 2024, competing in CNC Milling. After studying Mechanical Engineering at Coleg Sir Gar and completing a three-year advanced manufacturing apprenticeship with CBM Wales, Tamzin is now a Junior Technician at CBM Wales, based at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

Reflecting on her journey, 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 from this competition; not just about technical skill, but also about resilience and confidence. I hope my journey inspires more young women to see engineering and CNC machining as an exciting and rewarding career path.”

Hosting the competitions in Wales for the first time shines a spotlight not only on the country’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 individual college socials to see when it’s coming to your area.

For more information on Skills Competition Wales and WorldSkills UK and how to start your journey as a competitor, tutor or employer in Wales, visit https://inspiringskills.gov.wales/.

 

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

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A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

 

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Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

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A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

 

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Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

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YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.

 

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