WorldSkills UK National Finals 2026!

After a fantastic National Finals in South Wales in 2025 we are excited to be back there in November 2026.  We will be adding all the details you need to know about the National Finals 2026 including the competitions, host venues, the special events programme and wrap around activity here. So please do check back for the most up-to-date information.

What are the WorldSkills UK National Finals?

The WorldSkills UK National Finals  is the culmination of months of hard work, training, and competition. Hundreds of finalists will make it to the finals, having qualified through regional heats held across the UK — in colleges, training centres, workplaces, and even online.

What are WorldSkills UK Competitions?

WorldSkills UK competitions are designed by industry experts to test the knowledge, practical skills, and employability attributes of young people in a competitive, timed environment.

They cover many skill areas across 4 sectors, including:

• Engineering & Technology
• Construction & Infrastructure
• Health, Hospitality & Lifestyle
• Digital, Business & Creative

We also proudly host Foundation Skills competitions, supporting learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Each competition is hosted by a Competition Organising Partner — from colleges to industry bodies — ensuring the challenges reflect real-world standards.

Competitors are not just showcasing skills — they’re demonstrating excellence, passion, and potential.

Why it matters

These competitions are more than just a contest — they’re a launchpad for careers.

Participants develop critical skills like:

• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Working under pressure
• Self-reflection

They also benchmark their performance against national and international standards, with the chance to be selected for Squad UK and potentially represent the UK on the global stage.

 Watch this short video to see why WSUK National Finals matters!

Ways to get involved

Local Skills Competitions

Local skills competitions help learners become work and competition ready. They build confidence, practical skills and a positive mindset so learners know they can succeed and are prepared for the world of work. Getting started is straightforward. Access a library of endorsed local skills competition briefs through our website, or we can help you create your own college, inter-college or regional skills competition. Either way, we will support you to build skills competitions into your curriculum in a way that works for you and your learners.

Login or register to the WorldSkills UK Learning Lab to express your interest

The WorldSkills UK Learning Lab

The WorldSkills UK local skills competitions programme gives educators and training providers everything they need to run local skills competitions, raise standards and unlock the potential in every learner. Access free resources, including example competition briefs and practical classroom support, through our online learning platform. Designed to fit your curriculum, it helps learners take part in national competitions that build confidence and develop the skills they need for the world of work.

Learning Lab Resources here