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A student from Blackwood has won a bronze medal at Europe’s biggest vocational education and skills event.

Ruben Duggan, 21, who attends Coleg y Cymoedd, won a bronze medal in the Heating and Plumbing category at the bi-annual Euroskills event in Gdansk, Poland.

EuroSkills gives young people the opportunity to test their skills against the best in Europe, showcasing their technical knowledge and capabilities in a series of challenges.

More than 600 competitors travelled to Poland from across Europe to the event, which hosted by WorldSkills.

Speaking about his experience, Ruben said: “Flying out to Gdansk to compete against the best in my trade has been amazing. Not only have I learned so much, but my tutor has too, as this is the first time he’s had a student get to EuroSkills.

“Conventional education wasn’t my strongest area, and I think skills competitions are an amazing opportunity to show your potential in a practical way; it helps to give everyone an even playing field for success.

“It feels unbelievable to have the bronze medal. I didn’t go to Gdansk to win a medal – taking part was key for me – so holding the medal in my hands feels absolutely brilliant.”

Two other competitors from Wales, Rhydian Brown, aged 19, from Wick, and Daniel Davies, aged 21, also came awards with awards – Medallions of Excellence, which recognises the achievement of world-class standards.

The Welsh Government Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething, said: “I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to Daniel, Rhydian and Ruben for their successes at EuroSkills Gdansk 2023.

“It’s fantastic to see their dedication, hard work and talent recognised on a global stage, and they should be incredibly proud of their achievements.”

Mr Gething added: “The Welsh Government is committed to investing in our future generations and funding skills competition programmes is one of many ways we’re providing our young people with opportunities to develop world-class skills to give them the tools they need to build successful careers in the future.”