Technician to test laboratory skills on national stage

Posted Today

A Laboratory Technician is preparing to test her expertise on the national stage after being selected for the WorldSkills UK National Qualifiers.

Martha Stokes, who works as an apprentice in the labs at Harper Adams University, will be heading to Middlesex to test her skills in the qualifiers later this week.

She said: “The WorldSkills UK Laboratory Technician Competition is a national event that celebrates excellence in laboratory science.

“It brings together apprentices and students from across the country to test their technical skills, precision, and problem-solving abilities in real lab scenarios.

“I'm absolutely thrilled to have made it through! I've always been passionate about science and continuous professional and personal development, so this competition felt like the perfect challenge.

“It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase the standards of training and innovation happening in UK laboratories.”

WorldSkills UK is a partnership between education, industry and Government which works to raise standards, champion skills and empower young people.

Described as a ‘Skills Olympics’, entrants test themselves across a range of disciplines in both qualifiers and a prestigious national final – with some also progressing to international events.

Head of Technical Development and Laboratory Manager at Harper Adams, Dr Victoria Talbot,  said: “I am thrilled for Martha!

“I had no idea this competition existed and I'm so pleased that she's got through to the national qualifiers. It's a fantastic opportunity for her to demonstrate the skills that she has already spent time honing and perfecting.

“As a University, we have pledged under the Technician Commitment to take action to make technicians visible and improve recognition.

“Entering competitions and awards does just that. They demonstrate the specialist skills that technicians have and use to carry out and support teaching, research and knowledge exchange.

“Our roles are fundamental to practically everything that the University does and so it's a great opportunity to showcase these skills and remind ourselves, and the world at large, of the value we bring to our institutions.”

Martha was nominated for the qualifiers by her training provider Tiro, who work in conjunction with Middlesex University, and has already completed an entrance examination testing her theoretical knowledge and lab technique.

Winners from the latest round will go on to compete in the 2026 finals this November in Cardiff.

Martha added: “It's invigorating to be assessed purely on technical skill and practical ability; it will push me to perform at my best and reflect on how far I've come in my training.

“It's a brilliant opportunity to showcase my developing skillset and to challenge myself in a professional setting. I'm also looking forward to meeting and networking with other aspiring lab technicians from across the country.

“Being able to represent both Harper Adams and Tiro makes it feel even more special; it feels like a chance to give something back to the organisations which are supporting me through my apprenticeship!”