Learners at Elidyr Communities Trust in Carmarthenshire are celebrating a record-breaking year in national skills competitions, including highly commended, bronze and gold medal wins at the WorldSkills UK Finals and Skills Competition Wales. These achievements are marked during Learning Disability Week 2025.
Nine learners from the college – which supports young adults with complex learning needs and disabilities – competed across four skill areas this year, the highest number to date and a major increase from just one entrant in 2021. The college’s first-ever entry into the world of skills was an entry into the Foundation Catering category where the learner gained invaluable experience – leading directly to volunteering and employment opportunities.
Following on from this success, the college has since embedded skills competitions into its curriculum, recognising the benefits they bring to the learners’ skills and confidence.
The headline success came from Ethan, Richard and Gwilym, who won bronze in the Foundation Enterprise Challenge at the WorldSkills UK Finals with a sustainable headboard business called ‘Bedheads and Broomsticks’. The team used recycled wood to make headboards, and used their AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices to pitch their idea, impressing judges with their teamwork and creativity.
Former learner Rhys also won gold in both the Welsh and UK-level Inclusive Horticulture competitions, while another two learners won Silver medals in the Foundation Catering competition.
Jenni Simpson, Work Experience Co-ordinator at Elidyr Communities Trust, said: “Skills competitions have been hugely beneficial for our learners and provide them with the opportunity to take part in real-world experiences that build confidence, communication skills, and job-readiness.”
“These events also shine a light on the value of inclusive education, demonstrating that young people with learning disabilities can thrive in enterprise and employment environments – especially when supported by the right guidance and hands-on learning frameworks.”
“We couldn’t be prouder of how far our learners have come and it’s been a huge highlight for all involved to witness the college’s growth in participation and success since 2021.”
Inclusive Skills competitions were first pioneered in Wales, led by the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales programme. Their success and impact helped pave the way for similar categories to be introduced at a UK level through WorldSkills UK – creating opportunities for young people with learning disabilities to compete, gain recognition, and build futures through vocational training.
In a further boost for inclusive education, Inspiring Skills has announced a new Inclusive Skills Enterprise competition for 2026, expanding opportunities for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities across Wales.
