Throughout April, ten of WEC Group’s apprentices have been undertaking an intensive training programme in preparation for WorldSkills, one of the most prestigious platforms for skills development and competition.

Often described as the “skills Olympics”, WorldSkills provides young professionals with the opportunity to test their abilities against industry peers, with only the highest-performing individuals progressing through each stage. It is widely recognised as a benchmark of excellence, celebrating technical precision, knowledge and dedication across a range of disciplines.

WEC Group are proud to support ten applicants from across our apprenticeship programme. Of these, six are entering the welding competition, while four are applying for metal fabrication. Over the course of the month, each apprentice has committed to two dedicated training days per week, balancing this alongside their ongoing responsibilities and development.

Training by the companies CSWIP Welding Inspector has been carefully structured to reflect the specific requirements of each discipline. For those entering the welding competition, sessions have focused primarily on practical welding skills, ensuring participants can demonstrate accuracy, consistency and control under test conditions. This hands-on approach is essential in preparing them for the demands of the competition environment.

WEC’s group involvement in WorldSkills is built on a strong track record of success. Apprentices from the WEC Engineering Academy have previously progressed to the national finals, achieving 10 medals, including 3 gold. These accomplishments highlight not only the capability of the apprentices, but also the quality of training and support provided throughout their development.

As this year’s training period concludes, all applicants have now submitted their work for assessment. Progression to the next stage is highly competitive, with only the top performers moving forward. Regardless of the outcome, each apprentice has demonstrated a high level of commitment and professionalism, gaining valuable experience that will benefit their future careers.

We now look ahead with anticipation, as we await the results and the possibility of seeing our apprentices continue their WorldSkills journey.

WEC Group