Describing themselves as the “Centre for Skills Excellence”, WorldSkills UK is a group of national competitions designed by industry experts.

The competitions are focused on a number of vocational skills from graphic design to mathematics, and are designed to test the knowledge, practical skills and employability of young experts in a competitive, timed environment.

This year, the WorldSkills UK finals are being held at colleges, independent training providers and universities in Greater Manchester from 14-17 November.

And it’s Lead Technician from Port Talbot, Georgia Cox and Second Year Engineering Apprentice from Shotton, Theodore Philip-Holloway from Tata Steel, who will be taking to the stage alongside 113 other Welsh talents.

If successful, both Georgia and Theodore could compete against the world’s finest young experts, and be crowned best on the globe at the WorldSkills international finals.

Georgia, who is a former Higher Laboratory Apprentice said: “It is an honour to make it to the national finals and compete against other talented laboratory technicians – and represent Women in STEM everywhere.

“WorldSkills has really given me the opportunity to put the skills and knowledge I’ve adopted over the past two years at Tata Steel to the test.

 

Georgia competed in the regional and Welsh WorldSkills competitions earlier this year, which she compared to the British baking show "Bake Off"

"It’s been quite challenging at times, but the support I’ve received from my steel industry mentors and tutors at Gower College Swansea has been invaluable.”

While Georgia will compete in the Laboratory Technician category, Theodore will go head to head against a number of his peers from Coleg Cambria in the Apprentice Machinists category, for his work on CNC Milling.*

Theodore said: “Competing in the national WorldSkills finals is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work that brought Georgia and I here. It's a celebration of skills and a stepping stone to greater heights."

Upon hearing the news, Ruth Knoyle, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition and Development added: "Our apprentices are our future and it is always fantastic to hear they are being recognised for the skills they are developing at Tata Steel and their supporting colleges.

“We are all routing for Georgia and Theodore at the finals this week and cannot wait to see the results – best of luck both!”