Ballymena student secures place in prestigious WorldSkills UK National Finals

Northern Regional College student Valentin Timuc has secured place in prestigious WorldSkills UK National Finals

A Ballymena student will compete against some of the UK’s most talented young people after securing a coveted place in the WorldSkills UK National Finals.

Northern Regional College student Valentin Timuc has qualified for the Digital Support and Security final following a highly competitive series of national qualifiers, earning the opportunity to represent the college in South Wales this November.

Valentin is studying for a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Information Technology at Northern Regional College’s Ballymena Campus, with his success recognising his technical knowledge and practical ability across computing, cybersecurity and digital support.

Taking Ballymena skills to the national stage

The WorldSkills UK National Finals will take place at venues across South Wales from 18–20 November 2026, bringing together leading apprentices and learners from across the UK.

Competitors will test their abilities in more than 40 technical skills, with the competitions designed alongside industry to develop practical expertise, confidence and skills relevant to the workplace.

Valentin

For Valentin, reaching the final is both a major personal milestone and an opportunity to put the skills developed during his course in Ballymena to the test on a UK-wide stage.

“Qualifying for the WorldSkills UK National Finals is a huge achievement for me and I’m really proud to represent Northern Regional College,” he said.

“Progressing through the different stages of the competition has helped me apply what I’ve learned on my IT course and strengthen my skills in digital support, computing and cybersecurity.

“I now feel prepared and ready for the National Finals, and I’m looking forward to competing alongside talented students from across the UK in South Wales.”

College celebrates Valentin’s achievement

Northern Regional College Principal and Chief Executive Mel Higgins, who is also a Trustee of WorldSkills UK, said reaching the finals reflected Valentin’s talent and commitment.

“We are incredibly proud of Valentin for securing his place in the WorldSkills UK National Finals. Reaching this stage is a significant achievement and reflects his talent, commitment and the high standard of technical education delivered by our staff.

“WorldSkills UK gives students the opportunity to test their abilities against the very best, build their confidence and develop the industry-relevant skills that employers need. Everyone at the College wishes Valentin every success in South Wales this November.”

‘A tremendous achievement’

Mark Smallman, Operations Director at WorldSkills UK, also congratulated the Ballymena student on making it through to the national competition.

“Congratulations to Valentin Timuc from Northern Regional College on securing a place in the WorldSkills UK National Finals. This is a tremendous achievement, and the competitions equip learners and apprentices with the skills, confidence and work readiness that employers are crying out for.”

Valentin will now have the coming months to prepare before travelling to South Wales, where he will put his digital support and cybersecurity skills to the test against fellow finalists from across the UK from 18–20 November.