UWTSD students celebrate gold at WorldSkills UK National Finals

Congratulations to UWTSD’s Sion Murray and Yohannes Zerzghi who have proved themselves to be the best of the best, winning gold medals at the WorldSkills UK National Finals.

Sion, an FSG apprentice at the University’s Advanced Manufacturing Skills Academy (AMSA) and Yohannes, a MSc Computer Networks and Cyber Security student were amongst 400 young students and apprentices who took part in the finals.

Over 60 competitions were played out in November at 21 venues across the UK and victories were celebrated across the regions and nations of the UK.

Competitors underwent a seven-month process of regional heats and intensive training before stepping up to pit their skills against the best of the best earlier this month.

The winners learned of their victory during a special live programme from Channel 4’s Packed Lunch studios, presented by Steph McGovern. Steph McGovern said: “This is just brilliant. Everyone should be jumping for joy, what an early Christmas present that is. They must have put in some graft to smash it like that.”

Lee Pratt, UWTSD’s Advanced Manufacturing Skills Academy Manager said: “We are immensely proud of what Sion has achieved in this competition. Considering Sion was new to this technology 18 months ago and is now a gold medallist in a national competition is testament to the dedication and commitment he displays daily. We hope to build on this success and hopefully get Sion out to Shanghai in 2022 to compete on the international stage! Sion has now set the bar very high for other apprentices to follow.

“We believe this is a perfect example of what targeted high level skills training can provide to industry through the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Academy and we hope to get other companies involved in the very near future.

“Our congratulations go out to Johannes too; a fantastic achievement and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”

Kapilan Radhakrishnan, Academic Director (Applied Computing) said: "The School of Applied Computing staff are absolutely thrilled for Yohannes who has overcome adversities to showcase his talent at the world stage. The WorldSkills competition not only test students on their technical skills but it is a test of character, agility, and mindset. Yohannes has been a brilliant student throughout his studies at UWTSD, this Gold medal is a testament to his knowledge and skills.

Ben Blackledge, Deputy CEO of WorldSkills UK, said: “These young people are a real inspiration. They are an example to us all and should be celebrated. To have excelled after such a difficult year shows that their dedication and skills are truly excellent.

“Skills are the lifeblood of every economy, creating high quality jobs, rewarding careers, and our competitions are proof that there is amazing talent in every part of the UK.”

WorldSkills UK specialises in selecting and training young people to represent the UK at international competitions. The unique insights and global best practice it gathers as part of that work are shared with young people and educators across the UK.

Through its pioneering Centre of Excellence, WorldSkills UK now helps raise the bar of skills across the country by training the trainers and imparting invaluable tips and techniques.

Barry Liles, OBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Skills & Lifelong Learning)said: "We are extremely pleased with the tremendous success achieved by Sean and Yohannes at the Worldskills UK Finals. This outcome reflects well not only their high level of skills competence but also on the support afforded by the staff of the University and at Sean’s employer FSG Jig and Tool. Engagement in Worldskills competitions is a key element of the University’s strategy of high level skills development, notably in sectors key to the economy of Wales."

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Swyddog Gweithredol Cysylltiadau â’r Wasg a’r Cyfryngau

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer

Cyfathrebu Corfforaethol a Chysylltiadau Cyhoeddus

Corporate Communications and PR

Mobile: 07384 467071

Email: Rebecca.Davies@uwtsd.ac.uk