WorldSkills UK Torch Relay Ignites at Newtown College as Wales Prepares to Host National Finals for the First Time

NPTC Group of Colleges, Newtown College proudly welcomed the WorldSkills UK Torch Relay this week — a landmark celebration marking the countdown to the WorldSkills UK National Finals, which will be hosted in Wales for the very first time later this month.

The Olympic-style torch relay, which is travelling across colleges and training providers throughout Wales, symbolises unity, passion, and excellence in vocational education. Its arrival at Newtown College shone a spotlight on the incredible skills, talent, and determination of learners across Mid Wales.

The event began with a warm welcome from Kathryn Dunstan, Assistant Principal (Commercial), who addressed students, staff, local employers, and special guests:

“Today is a proud day for our college and for our community. We’re thrilled to be part of the WorldSkills UK Torch Relay, marking the start of the WorldSkills UK National Finals — which, for the very first time, will be held here in Wales. This torch represents passion, pride, and excellence in vocational skills, and reminds us of the incredible talent that exists within our learners and our region.”

Kathryn praised the achievements of the 10 NPTC Group of Colleges competitors who will represent Wales at the National Finals this year — part of the 120-strong Welsh team heading to Cardiff.

The celebration also highlighted the inspirational journey of Gabrielle Wilson, a former Newtown College Catering student whose WorldSkills journey has taken her from National Finalist to representing the UK at the European Finals in Herning, Denmark. Gabrielle now stands among the UK’s elite as part of the long squad training for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Continuing the theme of inspiration, Shaun Bailey, Lecturer in Catering, shared his reflections on mentoring learners through the WorldSkills process.

“WorldSkills isn’t just a competition — it builds confidence, character, and opens doors to incredible opportunities. Watching our learners develop their skills and ambitions has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role.”

Shaun celebrated the success of former and current competitors, including Alice Yeomans, who represented Wales in 2019 and went on to work at Raymond Blanc’s world-renowned Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, as well as 2024 finalists Ryan Blinston, Thomas Brack, Poppy Bowen-Heath, and Serah Morgan-Page, who continue to uphold the college’s legacy of excellence.

Among this year’s finalists, Eleri Davies (Patisserie and Confectionery) and Zara Fisher (Inclusive Skills) will compete on home soil in Cardiff later this month — another milestone in NPTC Group of Colleges’ proud WorldSkills journey.

The event featured music from Freya Rowlands, who performed Calon Lân, and a showstopping cake — an edible replica of the WorldSkills torch — crafted by the college’s Catering department, symbolising the creativity and craftsmanship that underpin every skill discipline.

As the torch continues its journey across Wales, NPTC Group stands as a beacon for skills excellence, community collaboration, and learner ambition.

“WorldSkills is a celebration of excellence — from engineering to catering, construction to creative arts,” said Kathryn. “These are the skills that power our economy and sustain our communities. We’re proud to play our part in inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals.”

The WorldSkills UK National Finals will take place in Cardiff from 25–28 November 2025, bringing together the UK’s most talented young people to compete across dozens of skill areas.