An 18 and a 21-year-old, from Pembrokeshire (Finlay Elliot and Levi Burks) have won a gold medal in the graphic design and beauty treatment final of a national skills competition.

Backed by the Welsh Government through the European Social Fund, Skills Competition Wales is a series of events held in colleges across the country, designed to celebrate vocational skills and create highly skilled, talented employees for the Welsh workforce.

Finlay of Tenby, 18, who is studying graphic design, competed against 18 other students from across Wales in a series of graphic design challenges in two hours. The competitors were tasked with creating a poster design that promoted creative industries.

Finlay said: “This year was my second time competing at Skills Competition Wales and having come back I’ve realised my skills have grown and I have more of an understanding of what to expect, which helped me win my gold award.

“My competition involved creating a poster design that promoted creative industries which was a brief I could relate to and found personal interest in.

“I like graphic design as it allows me to learn computer design but also includes hand drawn design which is what I enjoy the most.

“Competing in graphic design at Skills Competition Wales opened my eyes to the professional world as it gave me experience in a competitive environment to manage my time and work in a realistic surrounding.”

Levi, 21, who is studying beauty therapy, competed against 31 other students from across Wales in a series of beauty treatment challenges in under two hours. The competitors were tasked with three challenges including an eyelash tint treatment, applying a full face of make up and doing a manicure.

Levi said: “Winning the gold medal was an amazing experience especially as this was my first time competing in Skills Competition Wales.

“We had just under two hours to complete an eyelash tint treatment, apply a full face of day makeup and do a manicure with red nail polish. Each of these tasks required a lot of training in practical skills, but also time management and organisation.

“It’s great being able to learn from other contestants around you along with getting feedback from the judges as this allowed me to improve myself and be the best I can.

“Pursuing a career in beauty is something I’d really love and I now I have a future in an industry I enjoy.”

More than 40 competitions are taking place this year, across a wide range of different vocations from forensic science and fashion technology to 3D game and food preparation.

Those who are successful may then go on to be shortlisted for the UK Squad, competing against the world’s most talented young people at the WorldSkills international final in Shanghai, China in 2021.

Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates, said: “Skills Competition Wales is such an important event, allowing multi-talented young people the length and breadth of Wales to put their skills to the test, building on their excellence and experiences across various fields with the opportunity to then progress and compete at UK national and international level.

“It’s also an opportunity to show the breadth of talent we have here in Wales and to celebrate the Welsh companies who are nurturing and reaping the rewards of such highly skilled, talented employees. Ensuring Wales has the skills needed for economic success has long been a priority for me personally and for the Welsh Government more broadly and it’s fantastic to see skills acknowledged in this way.

“I would like to say well done to everyone who has competed this year and add my congratulations to Finlay and Levi on their brilliant achievement. Best of luck to them in the next stage of the competition and I look forward to seeing them prosper in their future careers.”