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STUDENTS from South West College (SWC) have achieved outstanding success across a range of competitive disciplines during the finals of a national competition.
Teagan Dorman, Odhran McCluskey, Tristan McGrath, Oudette Ferran, and Cathal Connolly secured top spots at the WorldSkills UK National Finals 2025.
The event, held recently across five venues in South Wales, brought together more than four hundred learners and apprentices competing in 47 skills areas spanning engineering, construction, digital, hospitality, the creative industries, and more.
SWC competitors took part in a variety of disciplines, including plumbing and heating, employment, training and personal development, automation, mechatronics, and restaurant skills.
The college’s strongest result came in the Automation category, where Dungannon campus students Teagan Dorman and Odhran McCluskey secured gold. Both are second-year Engineering Foundation Degree students and apprentices with Mallaghan Engineering.
Success continued within the Plumbing competition, where Omagh apprentice Tristan McGrath, employed by DH Mechanical & Ventilation, was awarded Highly Commended for his impressive performance.
In the hospitality category, Oudette Ferran, who is studying for the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management at the Enniskillen Erne Campus, also achieved Highly Commended in the Restaurant Service competition.
Omagh student Cathal Connolly, from the Level 1 Diploma in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development, secured third place in Digital: Foundation Skills, further adding to the College’s strong representation across the finals.
Principal and chief executive of South West College, Celine McCartan described the students as ‘truly inspiring’.
“Seeing our apprentices compete and succeed at the highest level in the UK is truly inspiring,” she said. “SWC is extremely proud to have had eight vocational students chosen to compete in the WorldSkills UK finals, including Tristan McGrath, Cathal Connolly, Brendan Foley, Odhran McCluskey, Teagan Dorman, Ethan Henderson, Luke Taylor, and Oudette Ferran, who travelled and competed in various disciplines.
“Their success highlights not only their exceptional skill, commitment, and determination, but also the outstanding support provided by our staff, employers, and their families.
“Congratulations to all participants and to those who may now take the next steps in the WorldSkills competitions, with the potential opportunity to join Team UK and compete on an international stage.”
