The UK’s flagship��skills��competition will bring together more than 400 talented apprentices and learners across 47 disciplines – from engineering, digital and health to hospitality, construction and the creative industries – at five venues.

Those who impress under pressure might be selected to represent the UK on the international stage at the “Skills��Olympics” in Japan in 2028.

Wales will be strongly represented, with 120 young people from across the country having earned their place following standout performances in qualifier heats. Of the national finalists, 29% will be made up of Welsh competitors – an increase from last year’s impressive one in four.

Included in the Welsh line-up are Maddie Groves, 20 and Lauren Gunning, 30, AAT apprentices with Cardiff-based �ڽ�����, who will be competing in the Accounting Technician team final.

Maddie, who works for Green and Co, Cwmbran and Lauren, an �ڽ����� learner journey officer who supports AAT apprentices, are both working towards a Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) in Professional Accounting.

They will compete over two days at the Atrium at the University of South Wales, Cardiff where they will be given a brief which involves making a presentation and achieving an accounting task.

Lauren has already achieved Levels 2 and 3 AAT apprenticeships because she wants to have the knowledge to best support apprentices on their learning journey.

�ڽ����� apprentices achieved a bronze medal in last year’s Accounting Technician final and accountancy tutor Nerys Hiscocks is backing Maddie and Lauren to win gold this year.

“I think they are going to do really well because they have a lovely bond and work well together,” said Nerys.

“They complement each other and I fully believe they can win gold.”

Other Welsh learners are being encouraged to begin their journey towards next year’s��WorldSkills UK Finals by entering��Skills Competition Wales, registration for which is open until December 5.

Paul Evans, Inspiring��Skills��Excellence in Wales project director and Lisa Mytton, National Training Federation for Wales strategic director, are encouraging more work-based learning providers and their apprentices register this year.

“We wish the five learners from �ڽ����� and Itec��Skills��& Employment every success in the finals,” said Lisa. “They are role models for the work-based leaning sector, inspiring more Welsh learners, apprentices, employers and training providers to recognise the value and benefits of national, European and��world��skills��competitions.”

Paul added: “Work-based learning providers play a vital role in developing skilled apprentices across Wales. Many of their learners go on to achieve success at the��WorldSkills UK National Finals, often starting their journey through��Skills��Competition Wales.

“I would encourage more providers and apprentices to get involved this year and make the most of the opportunities these competitions offer.”

According to �ڽ����� tutors Karuna Sparks and Wallis Pegington, it’s not about waiting for the government to make legal requirements,��it’s about embedding sustainability into every aspect of business for the health of the economy as well as the planet.

Here are five steps companies can take right now to reduce their carbon footprint and prepare for the future:

Lead a culture shift

Sustainability isn’t just the responsibility of one department,��it’s everyone’s job.
Talking at the Karuna explained: “Green skills need to be expanded, adapted and made relevant to every employee from those at the top all the way through an organisation. It’s all about behavioural change.”
Start with awareness sessions or toolbox talks to help staff understand how their daily actions impact the environment.

Improve energy efficiency

Simple changes can make a big difference. Switch to LED lighting, install smart meters, and encourage hybrid working to reduce building energy use.
Behavioural change such as turning off lights and electrical devices when not in use is a quick win that adds up over time.

Rethink travel and transport

Encourage staff to carpool, cycle, or use public transport. For businesses with fleets, begin transitioning to electric vehicles. Hybrid and remote work also help reduce commuting emissions,��saving both time and carbon.

Choose greener procurement and reduce waste

Your supply chain has a huge impact on your carbon footprint.
“SMEs bidding for public sector contracts must now provide credible carbon reduction plans, including Scope 3 emissions,” Wallis explained. “Choose local suppliers, prioritise low-carbon materials, digitise paperwork, and reuse packaging wherever possible.”

Invest in green skills and training

Training can be the foundation for meaningful change, allowing staff not just in specific sustainability roles but across an entire organisation to become better educated in their carbon output.

�ڽ����� offers fully-funded qualifications including the Level 3 Diploma in Energy & Carbon Management and ISEP environmental management courses with levels to suit all employees at any stage of their career. These qualifications can help businesses build internal expertise and comply with new sustainability standards.

Speaking plainly during the podcast episode, Wallis emphasised the importance of being ahead of the curve and putting net zero at the forefront of operations. “We are in what is now a climate crisis,” she said.��“As a moral duty, businesses need to take action.”

If you would like to take the first steps at a more sustainable business, you can find a qualification right for you and your team here.

To listen to the full interview with Wallis and Karuna you can head

Green skills are key to successfully meeting Wales’ net zero goal. In fact, when the Net Zero action plan was put in place, upskilling was described as the ‘key enabler’ of the transition to a net zero economy.��

Regardless of industry, the demand for sustainability knowledge is rising. Employers that invest in this training aren’t just supporting the national carbon agenda, they’re also improving resilience, enhancing reputation, and unlocking new efficiencies in how they work day-to-day.

In practical terms, green skills enable employees to identify and implement actions that reduce energy use, cut waste, and improve efficiency delivering both environmental and financial benefits. From procurement professionals choosing sustainable suppliers to managers embedding environmental criteria in their decision-making, every role has a part to play.

Businesses that nurture these skills not only reduce their carbon footprint but also boost productivity, strengthen supply chains, and meet growing customer demand for sustainable operations.��

�ڽ�����, Wales’s leading training provider, is helping employers meet their net zero goals through a range of accredited green qualifications. Many of the courses can be undertaken by any employee, regardless of their role and sector, and will help them understand, implement, and champion sustainable practices in the workplace.��

More advanced qualifications are suitable for those in charge of environmental management and who are looking to better implement efficiency strategies within their organisation.��

�ڽ����� delivers a suite of ISEP-accredited qualifications, ranging from one-day short courses to advanced certificates. If you’re unsure which option would be suitable for your team, here’s a rundown of each qualification:��

ISEP Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management (Level 3)��

This course is for anyone new to sustainability, and leads directly to ISEP Associate Membership.��

This course will give you a foundation of environmental knowledge to build on. Covering a wide range of principles, the course will give learners an understanding of the breadth of the sustainability agenda, and the management tools they need when working within this area.��

Find further details here.��

ISEP Certificate in Environmental Management (Level 5)��

This course is for professionals who are working in organisations at an operational level and pursuing a career path in environment and sustainability. You will explore the implications of global trends for the environment, be able to create and explain sustainable business models, and critically analyse data that informs decision making.��

Find further details here.��

ISEP Environmental Sustainability Skills for Managers (Level 3)��

This two-day course is intended to support managers and supervisors from any industry or sector in understanding the strategic and operational implications environmental sustainability has on them, their team and department.

It enables managers to contribute to the improved environmental sustainability of their organisation.��

Find further details here.��

ISEP Environmental Sustainability Skills for the Workforce (Level 2)��

This concentrated one-day course provides learners with a practical introduction to environmental sustainability, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, understanding and motivation to make a positive difference within their organisation.

This course is perfect for those working in any job role across all sectors, to ensure that environmental sustainability is embedded into all job roles of a company.��

Find further details here.��

As well as ISEP-accredited qualifications, �ڽ����� also delivers a course for those in energy management or for finance and facilities professionals responsible for sustainable procurement or energy use within their organisation.��

Level 3 Energy & Carbon Management����

This qualification looks at the skills and knowledge required for the management of energy consumption and carbon emissions within an organisation.
The course is split between mandatory modules such as ‘health and safety’ and ‘behavioural change’, with optional modules in topics such as ‘waste management’ and ‘energy procurement’.��

Find further details here.��

As Wales moves towards its 2026 Carbon Budget, it’s important we recognise that building a greener economy is reliant on a forward-thinking, skilled workforce. Businesses that prioritise sustainability training will not only meet compliance demands but also position themselves as leaders in innovation and responsible growth.��