News
Pembrokeshire youngster to compete in global competition this summer
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
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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