The WorldSkills finals will be taking place between 22 and 27 August later this year. Dubbed the 'skills Olympics', it's an opportunity for the world's brightest and most skilled apprentices to challenge the best in the world in their respective professions. More than 60 countries will be sending teams to the event, which will be shown on live tv and streamed across the world. Thirty-two members of Team UK have already been announced, and members will represent a variety of sectors, ranging from engineering, hospitality, professional services, construction, digital and IT.

On a recent visit to Pembrokeshire College, I was delighted to be told of the success of three highly talented young professionals from the mid and west region, which I represent, who have secured their places on the WorldSkills UK team: Sam Everton and Chris Caine, former students at Pembrokeshire College, and Phoebe McLavy, who completed her training at Coleg Sir Gâr. Sam will be competing in the cooking competition, Chris in the joinery competition, and Phoebe will be demonstrating her skills in hairdressing. I'd like to praise the hard work and dedication of these young professionals, and the effort it has taken them to reach this stage of this highly prestigious competition. I'm sure that the whole Chamber will wish them the best of luck in the finals later this year. I know that they will take this opportunity to demonstrate to the world the level of talent that Wales has to offer.