A Gwendraeth Valley student has won a gold medal in the woodwork final of a national skills competition.

Iestyn Vaughan, from Cross Hands who is studying Entry Level Practical Skills, competed against one other student from Wales in a woodwork challenge.

The competitors were tasked with making a wooden box, demonstrating different joinery methods using hand tools, within a three hour time period.

20-year-old Iestyn, from Coleg Sir Gar, said he couldn’t believe it when the judges called his name as the winner.

“I’ve been concentrating on refining my woodworking skills since I started my course three years ago, so I’m thrilled to be recognised by the judges.

“I was nervous going into the competition as I’d never taken part in anything like this before, but my tutor assured me I didn’t need to worry as he was confident in my skills.

“The competition was challenging, but I focused on including all of the details we were asked to include in the task. I assembled four housing joints to fit the box together; before sanding my box to give it a neat finish. Along with my award, being able to keep my finished product is a great reminder of my success and hard work.”

More than 35 competitions are taking place this year, across a wide range of different vocations from plumbing and beauty therapy to aeronautical engineering and accountancy.

The successful Welsh competitors may go on to challenge youngsters from across the UK at the WorldSkills UK national finals held at The Skills Show in Birmingham’s NEC this November.

Minister for Skills and Science, Julie James said: “At the Skills Show last year, the Welsh team topped the leader board of UK regions winning a total of 45 medals, which demonstrates that we’re producing some of the most highly skilled young people across the nation.

“Along with Iestyn’s hard work and determination the support from his college is an important factor in his success, and I would like to extend a special thank you to all the local businesses, schools and colleges across Wales who support these talented individuals.

“I would like to congratulate Iestyn on his fantastic achievement and wish him the best of luck in the next stage of the competition and his future career.”