We are pleased to announce that over 400 talented apprentices and students have advanced to our National Finals.
Competitors have participated in regional competitions at their local colleges, training provider centres, workplaces, or online. Through their exceptional performance, they have secured their place in the WorldSkills UK National Finals, which will take place in Greater Manchester from 19 – 22 November.
This year, the finalists will compete in over 40 skills, including disciplines such as 3D Digital Game Art, Additive Manufacturing, Welding, and Landscaping.
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Huge congratulations to this year’s National Finalists. We wish them the best of luck in their training as they prepare for the WorldSkills UK Finals.
We are thrilled to be back in Greater Manchester for our National Finals in November and are very grateful for the support of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and all our host venues.
We look forward to welcoming competitors and partners from all over the UK to showcase excellence in technical skills and drive forward the development of world-class skills for all young people.”
The finalists and medallists will be honoured at Manchester’s prestigious Bridgewater Hall on Friday 22 November.
The Foundation Skill competitions and the accompanying medal ceremony will take place on Friday 22 November, at Manchester College City Campus.
The competitions will be held at the following venues in Greater Manchester:
- Bolton College
- Manchester College
- Manchester University
- Oldham College
- Rochdale Training
- Tameside College
- Trafford and Stockport College Group
- Wigan & Leigh College
Bill Webster, Principal of Bolton College said: “We are thrilled to host the WorldSkills UK motor vehicle competition at Bolton College, a proud member of the Greater Manchester Colleges Group. This event is a fantastic opportunity to support and celebrate the incredible talents of young people from across the country, giving them a platform to showcase their skills. Hosting this event allows us to be part of a global effort to inspire young people, whatever their background, to pursue high-quality apprenticeships and technical education.”
Anna Dawe, Wigan & Leigh College Principal and Chair of Greater Manchester Colleges said: “Building on the success of WorldSkills UK national finals in 2023, we are excited and privileged to be hosting several of the final competitions once again in November 2024. Last year, the competitions, masterclasses for our own students and visits from partner high schools all raised aspirations and showcased technical skills in the best way possible. The ten further education colleges across Greater Manchester have long been strong supporters of WorldSkills UK and the strength of technical skills training has previously resulted in outstanding performances and proud medal winners.”
James Scott, Principal/Chief Executive Officer, Trafford and Stockport College Group said: “We are delighted to once again be hosting the UK national finals of the World Skills UK competitions. These competitions provide young people with a hugely valuable opportunity to put their skills to the test and experience competing at the very highest level.
Last year’s competitions saw our students recognised with a Gold, Bronze and a duo of Silver medals, testament to their hard work, passion and dedication. We are proud to be part of this skills excellence network and look forward to welcoming students, employers and partners to our college, for what is set to be another exciting week of national competitions, a celebration of the UKs inspirational talent.
The value and role of skills competitions is a key part of raising the profile of technical education and ensuring it is well-embedded across Greater Manchester. It is entirely fitting that these national finals are taking place here, hosted by our Colleges, Universities and Employers for what will be a historic week, and a week in which collectively we can build on these competitions to inspire the young people of Greater Manchester, and indeed the nation.”
National Finalists 2024
