Skills Competitions 2026

Sign-up now to enter competitions to showcase your vocational and creative skills.

Students have the opportunity to demonstrate their talents in hospitality, retail, performing arts and horticulture as part of Derwen College’s 2026 competitions event to be held in June, in partnership with Elidyr Communities Trust.

The competitions are open to students aged 16–25, and who are working at up to Level 1 in further or specialist colleges.

Take part and showcase your skills

Taking part in the competitions is a great way for students to demonstrate their skills and readiness for work and independence.

We are privileged to have the facilities and industry connections at Derwen College to run competitions enabling students to showcase their skills.

These events bring together students from a variety of schools and colleges to compete in a professional way and demonstrate learning and employability skills.

Why take part in competitions?

Which competitions are taking place at Derwen College?

The following competitions will take place in a live final at Derwen College on Friday 19 June 2026.

Horticulture: Eco Challenge: quiz, identification task, and bug hotel building

Group – up to three students working at Entry Level 2, Entry Level 3 or Level 1.

Hospitality: Table laying

Individual competition for students working at Entry Level 3 or below.

Housekeeping: Bed making

Paired competition for students working at Entry Level 3 or below.

Performing Arts: Open performance

Solo performance

Group performance

For students working at Entry Level 3 or below.

Retail: Display Skills Challenge

Group – up to three students working at Entry Level 3 or below.

Which competitions are taking place at Elidyr Communities Trust?

The following competitions will take place in a live final at Elidyr Communities Trust on Friday 5 June 2026.

Animal Care

Individual competition – for students age 18–25, working at Pre-Entry Level, towards Level 1.

Catering

Individual competition – for students age 18–25, working at Pre-Entry Level, towards Level 1.

First Aid

Individual competition – for students age 18–25, working at Pre-Entry Level, towards Level 1.

Woodwork

Individual competition – for students age 18–25, working at Pre-Entry Level, towards Level 1.

Key dates

Application deadline: Friday 20 February 2026

Successful entries to be informed: Friday 27 March 2026

Live final at Elidyr Communities Trust: Friday 5 June 2026

Live final at Derwen College: Friday 19 June 2026

How to apply

• Have a look at the briefs for each Derwen College competition (scroll down the page).
• Ensure your students are working at the right level for each competition to apply.
• Apply via the online form.

For competitions taking place at Elidyr Communities Trust, please visit their website.