Silver WorldSkills success for UWTSD students

4 December 2023

Congratulations to University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) students Oscar McNaughton and Jacob Gibbons who won Silver medals in the WorldSkills UK national finals. Both are now hoping to progress to the International Finals in Lyon 2024.

In a large white hanger, three young men and one young woman sit at a table focusing intently on their laptops.

A total of six UWTSD students competed in the finals. The first UWTSD/AMSA’s 1st National competition as a Competition Organising Partner headed up by Lee Pratt, Advanced Manufacturing and Skills Academy (AMSA) manager.

Oscar who is employed at CBM Wales, competed in the Advanced Manufacturing category, Morgan Evans who is employed by Safran Seats and Jacob Gibbons who is employed by FSG Tool and Die both competed in the Computerized Numerical (CNC) Milling category. Kian Lloyd who also is employed by FSG Tool and Die, took part in the CNC Turning final.

UWTSD’s David Ntino took part in the Network Systems final, and Rohan Chavan competed in the Network Infrastructure competition. Both are students of the MSc in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics.

Lee said: “We’re extremely proud of the achievements of our competitors. They’ve all shown great determination to excel and have been committed since day one.”

The Advanced Manufacturing Skills Academy (AMSA) aims to develop, maintain, and build upon the vital skills required by manufacturing apprentices and employers to deliver the technologies that keep the manufacturing industry globally competitive. The Academy provides enhanced training for Engineering students, apprentices and businesses on the latest Industry standard machine tools and inspection equipment.

Funded by the Welsh Government and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), AMSA works in partnership with three of the leading companies in the manufacturing industry: Mazak (machine tool supplier), Renishaw (Measuring/inspection equipment) and Sandvik Coromant (material cutting tools supplier).

The University offers a range of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships from Archaeology, Digital and Engineering to Stained Glass. To find out more visit our website.

WorldSkills UK is an independent charity and a partnership between employers, education, and governments. Together, they are using international best practice to raise standards in apprenticeships and technical education so more young people and employers succeed.

One of the UWTSD competitors with his medal and certificate stands next to Ben Blackledge.

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “This is a life-changing moment for these young people. They are the new generation of high flyers that will give UK employers a competitive edge.

“Our finals not only celebrate the best in young talent, but also provide a vital opportunity to see how skill development in the UK stacks up both domestically and against our international neighbours. Skills will continue to be a key differentiator for business both at home and abroad and through our programmes we are working to ensure that all apprentices and students across the UK can gain access to high-quality technical education and apprenticeships that lead to real success for them and the UK as a whole.”