WorldSkills UK Competition Sponsored by Air Products

WorldSkills UK Competitions

WorldSkills UK is an organisation that is focussed on raising standards, championing future skills and empowering young people from all backgrounds. It is an independent charity and member of WorldSkills, a global movement of over 80 countries supporting young people via competition-based training and assessments and is backed crucially by education, industry and UK governments. Its annual programme of national competitions plays a vital role in enabling students and apprentices to achieve excellence in their chosen career.

Welding Competition

The Welding Competition, sponsored by Air Products for more than 20 years, is aimed at trainee/apprentice welders working and/or training in the welding industry at level 2-3 or higher level. The competition is designed to test contestants skills in the three main Welding processes: Manual Metal Arc (MMA) Metal Active Gas (MAG) Tungston Inert Gas (TIG). The competition has 3 stages; each stage gradually builds up to challenge the contestants to develop their welding skills, At each stage the contestant is required to complete a number of welding test pieces in carbon steel Aluminium and Stainless steel in a variety of welding positions. The test pieces are marked to a set criterion based on BS EN ISO 5817.

Would you or one of your apprentices like to enter the 2026 WorldSkills UK Welding Competition?

Send us your details and we’ll be in touch with more information on how and when to register.

What are the Benefits of WorldSkills UK National Competitions ?

Benefits for students

WorldSkills UK Competitions empower participants at every stage of their journey, fostering both personal and professional growth while preparing them for future employment.

Achieve qualifications and career goals
Develop technical, personal and employability skills
Boost confidence and self-esteem
Raise aspirations and ambitions
Identify strengths and areas for growth
Build networks with peers and industry professionals

Benefits for employers

WorldSkills UK Competitions develop technical, employability, and personal skills aligned with global standards. Competitors bring this expertise back to the workplace, enhancing processes, systems, and overall excellence in national and global economies.

Improved business performance
Raised company profile and increased marketing opportunities
National and international exposure
Improved links with schools, colleges and community organisations
Opportunity for staff development, eg becoming a competition judge

Benefits for educators

WorldSkills UK Competitions inspire educators and learners, providing CPD opportunities to enhance teaching skills and subject knowledge.

Greater scope for creativity in teaching, training and learning techniques
Opportunities to benchmark and learn from peers
Raises the profile of apprenticeships and vocational learning
Access to additional equipment and resources
Supports the move from competence to excellence
Provides evidence for inspections

WorldSkills UK 2024 Welding Competition

The gold medal winner of the 2024 Welding Competition was Zachariah Winn of Coleg Cambria. Attending the event and presenting Zachariah with his gold medal was Graham Leigh, Air Products UK Maintenance Manager.

On behalf of Air Products, we offer our congratulations to Zachariah and all finalists on their achievements

Graham Leigh, Air Products UK Maintenance Manager

Download the Welder’s Handbook

An industry leading comprehensive guide to gas shielded arc welding and oxy-fuel cutting.