EAL celebrates Metal Fabrication talent at WorldSkills UK 2025

EAL was proud to sponsor the Metal Fabricator category at the WorldSkills UK 2025 Final and to attend the event in South Wales, celebrating the remarkable talent on display.

As a leading awarding organisation for engineering and manufacturing, EAL is committed to supporting the next generation of skilled professionals, and it was inspiring to see so many young people demonstrate their expertise and passion for metal fabrication.

The WorldSkills UK 2025 competitions are designed by industry experts and help young people grow personally and professionally by developing their technical and employability skills. The competition-based development programme is proven to upskill and develop young people from all backgrounds and abilities.

Celebrating excellence in Metal Fabrication

Metal Fabrication is a large part of the UK engineering industry, it covers a wide range of fabrication and welding skills in heavy plate, structural steel, the manufacture of machines, for all types of production lines, construction machines and equipment, to fine tolerance sheet metal for the aircraft industry, in ferrous and non-ferrous materials. 

Competitors took part in regional competitions at their local colleges, training provider centres, workplaces, or online, and now had the opportunity to compete alongside the best learners and apprentices from across the UK. This year’s National Finals took place across venues in South Wales from 25–28 November.

The Metal Fabricator category at the WorldSkills UK 2025 competition focused on a range of core skills, including interpreting fabrication drawings, performing precise thermal cutting to various tolerances, and forming or shaping both thick and thin ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Competitors were given 18 hours to complete their test project, working to specifications set by the competition managers.

The results of the competition were as follows:

• Gold – Sam Tromans, Dudley College of Technology
• Silver – Mark Wright, Coleg Cambria
• Bronze – Jacob Myhill, East Coast College
• Highly Commended – Henry Nelson, Pembrokeshire College

Congratulations to the 2025 Metal Fabrication finalists

Alison Parkes, Managing Director of EAL, said: “We are incredibly proud to congratulate all the participants, and especially the medal winners Sam, Mark and Jacob, of the Metal Fabrication category at the WorldSkills UK 2025 Final. Your dedication, passion and craftsmanship truly showcase the exceptional talent emerging within our sector.

Sponsoring this competition reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of skilled metal fabricators, and it has been inspiring to see the outstanding standards you’ve achieved. Competitions like WorldSkills UK play an important role in driving excellence across the sector, and this year’s finalists have set the bar remarkably high.”

The importance of Vocational skills

Vocational learning has long been undervalued, often seen as less important or challenging than academic routes, and we want to change that.

The UK urgently needs people with hands-on, technical, work-ready skills, and vocational learners are rising to the challenge. From engineering and manufacturing to construction and care, these learners are building the future.

That’s why Enginuity and EAL are holding the first national Vocational Celebration Day on 6 August 2026, a moment to spotlight the value of vocational pathways, challenge outdated perceptions, and champion the skills our country needs. Between now and 2026, we’ll be amplifying stories, sharing resources, and celebrating the learners, colleges, training providers, and employers powering our industries.

EAL congratulates all participants once again and looks forward to continuing its support for the next generation of metal fabricators. Events like WorldSkills UK not only celebrate exceptional talent but also inspire young people to pursue rewarding careers in engineering and manufacturing, helping to shape the future of the industry.

Discover more about World Skills Get involved with Vocational Celebration Day