NPTC Group of Colleges Hosts Skills Competition Wales

Student chef in whites competing at Skills Competition Wales

NPTC Group of Colleges has proudly hosted multiple rounds of Skills Competition Wales 2026 across three of its college sites. Newtown College, Neath College and Pontardawe College all welcomed students from colleges across Wales to compete in a wide range of vocational disciplines.

Competitions began at Newtown College, where events included Life Skills, Horticulture, Restaurant Services and IT. The excitement continued at Neath College, with learners showcasing outstanding talent in Restaurant Services, Patisserie & Confectionery, and Food Preparation.

The final round hosted by the College took place at Pontardawe College, where Automotive competitions saw Motor Vehicle learners put their diagnostic, maintenance and problem-solving skills to the test in industry-focused challenges.

In addition to hosting events, NPTC Group of Colleges’ learners also travelled across Wales to compete in Skills Competition Wales events held at other colleges, representing the College on a national stage. In total 141 learners from NPTC Group of Colleges took part in the competition.

Skills Competition Wales, delivered by Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales, celebrates vocational excellence and supports learners in developing world-class skills aligned to industry standards. The competitions are designed to raise aspirations, challenge students, and prepare them for skilled employment.

Kathryn Dunstan, Assistant Principal: Commercial at NPTC Group of Colleges, said:

“We were delighted to host the Inspiring Skills Wales competitions across NPTC Group of Colleges. Hosting these events created a real buzz for learners and staff, raised aspirations, and showcased the high-quality facilities and expertise we have at NPTC. Most importantly, it gave our learners invaluable exposure to industry-standard competition and inspired them to push their skills further.”

The College now looks ahead to the Skills Competition Wales 2026 celebration event in March, where Bronze, Silver and Gold winners will be announced.

Through both hosting and participating in these prestigious competitions, NPTC Group of Colleges continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing industry-ready learners and supporting vocational excellence across Wales.