News

Pembrokeshire youngster to compete in global competition this summer

Published

7 years ago

March 28, 2019

FIVE young people from across Wales, including a 21-year-old from Pembrokeshire, have been selected to travel to Russia to represent the UK in an international skills competition.

Chris Caine from Pembrokeshire, Sam Everton from Ceredigion, Thomas Lewis from Bridgend, Collette Gorvett from Swansea and Phoebe McLavy from Carmarthenshire will travel to Kazan in Russia this August (22-27) to compete in WorldSkills International.

WorldSkills is the world’s largest skill competition aimed at raising the profile and recognition of skilled young people from all corners of the globe.

The five Welsh contestants, who will be competing in joinery, cooking, electrical installation, restaurant services and hairdressing, took part in a UK wide team selection culminating at Loughborough University before becoming part of Team UK. They will now join more than 30 other young professionals from across the UK at the competition in Russia this summer.

Chris Caine, 21, from Pembrokeshire who will be competing in joinery said: “I have always been interested in building work since I was very young. My Dad and I would renovate properties together and it was the woodwork element of this that I enjoyed the most and is why I chose to pursue joinery.
“I am so excited so reach WorldSkills International and have the chance to prove my skills on a global level.

“In the lead up to the international competition I will be training at home in my workshop along with attending competitions in Australia and China to gain extra practice in a competitive environment and receive further feedback to improve my skills.

“I am particularly excited to compete in Australia as they are within the top three countries in joinery so it will be really valuable to see their work and gain some tips from them.”

The young people competing at WorldSkills International have already taken part in regional and national competitions over the past two years and will now face other contestants from across the world in a bid to be named the best in their specialist skill.

More than 55 skills competitions are taking place at the international competition in everything from visual merchandising and welding to aircraft maintenance and hairdressing.

Neil Bentley-Gockmann OBE, CEO of WorldSkills UK, said: “Think Olympic Games – but much more important to the economic future of the United Kingdom.

“This is a life-changing opportunity for all those involved.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these extraordinary young people who will be on the plane to Russia. They have worked tirelessly for weeks, months and years to be the best – they are a shining example to the next generation – let’s celebrate their spirit, commitment, and success.

“We are not only giving young people the opportunity to reach their full potential but we also believe that, working with them, we can transfer the insights gained from competing against other countries into the wider UK economy, driving up training standards for young people to world-class levels, giving a much-needed boost to productivity.”

Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates said: “I would like to add my congratulations to the Welsh competitors on their brilliant achievement.

“Having the opportunity to compete on a global level is a potentially life-changing opportunity and a huge accomplishment for these impressive individuals.

“To have five Welsh competitors in Team UK is magnificent and goes to show the depth of young talent we have here in Wales. With Brexit, seemingly, almost upon us, showcasing Wales as a highly skilled and competitive nation is of added importance, and I wish them the very best of luck in doing just that at this year’s WorldSkills International competition.

“I am sure that the experience and exposure will be invaluable in whatever future career path they choose.”

At the last WorldSkills International, 2017, in Abu Dhabi, Team UK finished in 10th position and is hoping to replicate or better this result.

Team UK will represent the United Kingdom at WorldSkills International in Kazan, Russia in August (22-27).

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

12 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

13 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

14 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.