UK’s top young professionals and DNCG shine at WorldSkills UK National Finals

The UK’s most talented young professionals came together at ICC Wales for the 2025 WorldSkills UK National Finals, a landmark celebration of technical excellence, innovation, and future workforce potential. From cutting-edge digital technologies to pioneering renewable energy solutions, the event underscored the vital role that high-quality technical education plays in driving national growth.

This year’s competition featured more than 40 skill categories, spanning advanced manufacturing, engineering, hospitality, creative arts, and health sciences. Over two days of high-pressure challenges, competitors demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and professionalism, exactly the attributes employers are seeking to meet the UK’s evolving skills needs.

University Campus Doncaster and its South Yorkshire Institute of Technology facilities played a central role in the Renewable Energy competition category, hosting qualification rounds alongside delivering specialist training for both 2025 and 2026 competitors earlier in the year. DN Colleges Group staff involvement in this year’s competition concluded with the provision of technical support during the finals, further cementing the organisation’s commitment to hands-on, industry-led learning.

Hamidreza Jafarnejad, HE Curriculum Leader for Engineering and Institute of Technology at DN Colleges Group, highlighted the significance of the group’s involvement: “We’re thrilled to have championed the Renewable Energy category throughout the competition, and seeing these talented competitors shine on such a prestigious stage is an incredible reward. Their passion, precision, and problem-solving mindset are truly inspiring, not only for our students and staff, but for the wider industry. These achievements prove that the future of engineering and technology is in exceptional hands and reflect our unwavering commitment to equipping the workforce with the real-world skills employers demand.”

Madeleine Warburton, apprentice wind turbine technician with Grimsby-based RWE and WorldSkills UK Renewable Energy judge, echoed that enthusiasm: “What an amazing week at the national finals in South Wales. It has been so interesting to judge the competition, and I’ve learnt so much thanks to the teams at University Campus Doncaster and Didactic Services Ltd. A huge congratulations to this year’s medallists.”

Local success also took centre stage, with DN Colleges Group ranking among the top three organisations for Foundation Skills and securing a gold medal in Catering (Foundation). Level 2 Professional Cookery Diploma student Destini Bryan, competing in the Culinary Arts category, earned a gold medal, a testament to her hard work, dedication and the high-quality technical training available at Doncaster College. Her success embodies WorldSkills UK’s mission to champion technical education and inspire future generations.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith celebrated the finalists’ achievements, noting, “These exceptional young people showcase the very best of UK talent and represent the future of our economy, and I would like to congratulate them all on their outstanding achievements.”