Myerscough learners recognised among the best at WorldSkills finals

WorldSkills UK celebrates the country’s top apprentices and learners, who compete in more than 40 different subject areas.

In the landscape competition, Archie Matthews took the overall silver medal.

Above: Archie Matthews with his Myerscough workbased tutor, Richard Heys

17-year-old Archie is one of the current Association of Professional Landscapers apprentices and is in his second year of his Level 2 Horticulture and Landscape Operative Apprenticeship Standard, working with Batello Garden Design and Landscaping.

Recent Myerscough landscape apprentice Sarah Harvey had also qualified for the final but unfortunately had to withdraw from the competition due to injury.

Meanwhile, in the foundation horticulture competition, Kieran Walsh took the bronze medal.

Kieran has been completing his Level 1 programme in practical horticulture skills with Myerscough, and is now progressing onto a Level 2 programme, in association with One Fylde, an independent agency who offer quality support to people with a learning disability.

Fellow Myerscough learners Neil Bennett and Declan Coyne also took part in the foundation horticulture competition and received a certificate of recognition for reaching the grand final.

WorldSkills UK welcomed Skills Minister Jacqui Smith, leading employers, industry experts from all over Europe and representatives from the UK’s education and training sector to watch the apprentices and learners in action at its national finals.  

Young people from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland assembled in Greater Manchester to compete in over 40 different skills to be named the ‘best in the UK’.  They represented industries ranging from digital, advanced manufacturing and engineering through to creative, professional services and hospitality.

The WorldSkills UK national finals are a culmination of nine months of hard work and training for the young people who competed. 

The finals assess the key attributes that employers are looking for in candidates including practical skills, ability to work under pressure, critical thinking and communication skills.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: “Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year’s magnificent competition. Each of you has showcased the exceptional talent and promise of our future workforce.

“Competitions like WorldSkills UK are so important in nurturing talent, providing a vital platform for young people to develop the skills they need to seize opportunities and achieve growth.

“Huge thank you to the judges, mentors, and organisers whose hard work and dedication make these events possible. Your efforts are helping to inspire and empower the next generation to succeed.”

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to this year’s medal winners. 

‘’Being named the best in your skill is a tremendous achievement and reflects the dedication of teachers in our colleges, universities and training providers, who are the bedrock of our skills systems across the UK.

“Our competition-based training programme, underpinned by global insights, plays a vital role in raising standards in teaching and assessment in apprenticeships and technical education. 

‘’Working with our partners across industry and education, we are championing the emerging skills that are critical to drive investment and business growth in the UK.”

Finalists from this year’s national finals could be invited to join WorldSkills UK’s international training and development programme with the opportunity to be selected to represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.