Later this month, people from all over the world will head to Shanghai for the 48th WorldSkills Competition.
The prestigious event, which takes place from 22-27 September, is the world's biggest international skills competition, bringing together young people, industry, education and government leaders from across the globe to advance technical and vocational education and training.
Representing Gower College Swansea will be Steve Williams, Curriculum Leader for Electronics and Engineering Technology, who – alongside his day job – has recently been appointed a Skills Competition Manager for the event.
Steve has played a very important role in ensuring the College’s excellent reputation for vocational training for over 40 years, steering countless students to skills competition success on both the regional and national stage, and combining his role as a curriculum leader with his dedication as a WorldSkills trainer.
During his career, Steve has been shortlisted for – and has won- many awards for his work including WorldSkills Unsung Hero (TES FE) and Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Apprenticeships (AAC Apprenticeship Awards.) He was also awarded one of only seven highly competitive Technical Teaching Fellowships for 2025/26 by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) and Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.
Now, Steve is looking forward to flying the flag for UK skills and for Gower College Swansea when he sets off for China on 14 September.
“I’d like to thank Gower College Swansea for supporting me in taking up the position of Skills Competition Manager for Electronics in Shanghai,” he says. “I’m really proud to have the opportunity to be involved in such a fantastic event. Although I’ve played similar roles in UK competitions this is the first time that I’ll be involved at international level so it will be a great opportunity to liaise with industry to create test projects, lead a skills management team, work alongside experts from around the world and help to shape the next generation of vocational talent.”