SkillsFest 2025: Practical CPD to Power Skills-Based Teaching
Looking for fresh ways to bring industry-focused learning into your sessions?
This October, SkillsFest 2025 returns with a selection of hands-on CPD designed for learning professionals across Wales.
Running throughout October and November, the programme features practical workshops to help tutors and trainers:
- Build confidence with new technologies
- Align delivery with current industry standards
- Support learners to succeed in skills competitions
Led by Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales, SkillsFest is part of the Developing Excellence programme, which helps educators embed competition-style learning into everyday delivery. Whether you’re new to competitions or already preparing learners for success, there’s something for you.
CPD Sessions Now Open for Booking
Tuesday 21 October – Merthyr College
Beauty Therapy and Practitioner
Practical guidance on professional standards and core techniques, with demonstrations and hands-on practice in areas like massage, waxing, and nail treatments. Led by Hayley Huxtable, Training Manager for Beauty Therapy.
Wednesday 22 October – UWTSD SA1 Waterfront Campus(IQ Building)
Carpentry & Joinery: Understand the new combined competition format, including tolerances, assessment, and best practice.
Cyber Security: Explore frameworks, tools, and approaches for embedding competition activity into teaching.
Automation: Practical guidance on PLC systems, fluid power, and System 4.0 skills.
Additive Manufacturing: Hands-on CAD-to-print workflows with Autodesk Fusion – please bring your laptop.
Friday 24 October – Coleg Cambria: Deeside Campus & Gwent College, Cross Keys Campus
Electrical Installation (Deeside): Delivered by NICEIC, this session explores low-carbon technologies – Solar PV, EESS, EV charging – and key regulations.
3D Game Art (Crosskeys): Industry-led demos and workflows for mid-poly assets, textures, and environments, plus networking opportunities.
Wednesday 29 October – University Campus Doncaster
Wind Power Systems
This fully funded CPD course introduces renewable energy generation through wind systems, with access to UCDon’s specialist renewable energy laboratories. Participants will gain hands-on experience configuring and operating turbines, batteries, and inverters, while exploring system planning, integration, troubleshooting, and teaching methods.
Designed for lecturers, technicians, and curriculum staff in engineering, electrical, and environmental subjects, as well as those retraining in renewable technologies (Level 3–5 or equivalent experience).
November 2025 – Gwent College, Cross Keys Campus
Creative Make-Up (SFX Focus)
This session will run in the first week of November, with exact dates to be confirmed. Led by Kirstie, Head of Make-Up at BBC Casualty, it will focus on prosthetics, painting, blood FX, and competition expectations. Places will be limited to ensure a high-quality, hands-on experience.
Why Attend?
Each session is practical, sector-focused, and competition-aligned, with input from industry experts, competition judges, and experienced educators. You will leave with tools, strategies, and insights ready to use in your own delivery.
Book Your Place
Spaces are limited and demand is high Locations may be subject to change depending on sign ups. Subsidies are available for those travelling over 2.5 hours (All sessions apart from Wind Power Systems).
Contact Alex.summerbell@colegsirgar.ac.uk for details.
Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales
More News Articles
« Apprenticeship launches award winner Will’s career in special effects — Young Baker’s Initiative Story »
