Skills Competition Wales 2025: Showcasing the Future of CNC Milling

The Skills Competition Wales 2025 saw some of the most promising young engineers put their abilities to the test in a high-level CNC milling competition. Organised by Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales, this prestigious event plays a crucial role in developing and recognising emerging talent in precision engineering.

To ensure inclusivity across Wales, the competition was hosted across three different educational centres over three consecutive days:

• Wednesday 5th February – Coleg Menai, Anglesey
• Thursday 6th February – Coleg Cambria, Wrexham
• Friday 7th February – University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea

With each day bringing new challenges, learners took part in a series of highly technical tasks, including:

✅ CAD 3D Modelling – Designing precise 3D components
✅ CAM Tool Path Creation & Verification – Programming machining operations
✅ CNC Machining & Inspection – Manufacturing and assessing complex parts

The competition tested participants’ ability to interpret intricate 2D drawings, work within tight tolerances, and deliver results under strict time constraints—key skills required in high-precision manufacturing environments.

Beyond the competition itself, the event serves as a vital stepping stone for competitors aiming to participate in WorldSkills UK and other future national and international contests.

Why Skills Competitions Matter

Competitions like Skills Competition Wales are more than just a test of ability—they play a critical role in shaping the future workforce and advancing vocational education.

• Raising Standards & Showcasing Excellence – By setting high expectations, these competitions drive participants to push their limits, fostering excellence in vocational training and technical education.
• Providing Valuable Workforce Skills – Learners develop industry-relevant skills, preparing them for careers in high-demand fields such as engineering, manufacturing, and CNC machining. These competitions give them a taste of real-world problem-solving, precision, and performance under pressure.
• Inspiring the Next Generation – Showcasing the talent and career opportunities available through vocational education encourages more young people to consider apprenticeships, technical courses, and hands-on learning paths.
• Encouraging Collaboration Between Employers & Educators – By bringing together businesses, educational institutions, and training providers, these events help bridge the gap between learning and industry needs, ensuring the workforce is equipped with the right skills.

Quickgrind’s Role in Supporting Future Engineers

As a proud sponsor of the event, Quickgrind ensured that competitors had access to the very best solid carbide cutting tools to execute their machining tasks. Providing high-performance tooling helps participants experience industry-leading precision, preparing them for the real-world demands of CNC manufacturing.

Spotlight on Wrexham – A Day of Intense Competition

All photos from the event were captured during the Wrexham competition on Thursday, 6th February at Coleg Cambria.

With such a high standard of work on display, it’s clear that Wales’ future CNC engineers and machinists are in great hands. Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work and dedication!