STUDENTS have received awards for their performances in a national competition.

Carwyn Roberts, 19, and Kaisha Madeley, 18, from Wrexham have won gold medals in the CNC milling and auto technology final of a national skills competition.

Backed by the Welsh Government through the European Social Fund, Skills Competition Wales is a series of events held in colleges across the country, designed to celebrate vocational skills and create highly skilled, talented employees for the Welsh workforce.

Carwyn, who is studying CNC machining, competed against three other students from across Wales in a CNC milling challenge.

“Competing at Skills Competition Wales was a great experience. I feel as though I learnt more during the day than I have in parts of my training because I was working under pressure.

“I love manufacturing as it opens up the world to endless opportunities in terms of the objects and designs that can be manufactured. I definitely recommend others to pursue their passion and to make the most of all opportunities that will allow them to challenge themselves.”

Kaisha, who is studying motor vehicles, competed against 31 other students from across Wales in a series of auto technology challenges across several hours. The competitors’ tasks included engine diagnostics, vehicle inspection and assessing electrical faults.

“Competing in auto technology taught me how to work independently and trust my own knowledge to complete tasks whilst also learning how to focus in a competitive environment.

“The tasks I had to do included engine diagnostic, vehicle inspection, assessing electrical faults and shift gear removal.

“I started my apprenticeship at the Welsh Ambulance and Fire Service the week after the competition and the experience I gained from the competition has really helped me with checking and fixing the ambulances on site.”

More than 40 competitions are taking place this year, across a wide range of different vocations from forensic science and fashion technology to 3D game and food preparation.

Those who are successful may then go on to be shortlisted for the UK Squad, competing against the world’s most talented young people at the WorldSkills international final in Shanghai, China in 2021.