In laboratory work, the smallest details carry weight.
The way a method is followed, results are recorded and equipment is handled can determine the reliability of everything that follows.
These are the skills Tiro apprentice Martha Stokes will put to the test when she competes in the WorldSkills UK National Finals at Bridgend College’s Pencoed Campus in South Wales on 18 and 19 November.
Martha, who is completing her apprenticeship at Harper Adams University, has secured one of just eight places in the Laboratory Technician competition, having progressed from a field of more than 300 entrants.
Her achievement places her among the strongest emerging laboratory technicians in the country and marks an exceptional result for both Martha and Tiro.
Her progression follows another strong year from Tiro’s wider 2026 cohort, with ten apprentices reaching the National Qualifiers.
Each qualifier earned the opportunity to put their technical knowledge, accuracy and judgement to the test in a competitive environment beyond their workplace setting.
This year’s qualifying cohort included:
- Archie Wilson, Cormica Bradford
- Chiara Carr-Saunders, University of York
- Jack Day, LGC Group
- Jacoba Duda, Kiwa Limited
- Katie Furr, Pharmagene Discovery Service
- Kieron Grimshaw, Sika Limited
- Liam Pastor-Gorar, Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre
- Martha Stokes, Harper Adams University
- Morgan Rodgers, Kudos Blends
While the other apprentices will not continue to the next stage, reaching the National Qualifiers was a significant achievement in itself. Each competitor demonstrated the technical ability and commitment required to perform in a demanding national competition environment.
Together, their progress reflects the technical capability, confidence and ambition being developed through Tiro apprenticeships.
Putting laboratory skills to the test
Often described as the “Skills Olympics”, WorldSkills UK runs competitions across a wide range of technical disciplines, giving young people and apprentices the opportunity to develop their abilities against national standards.
For competitors, it is a chance to step beyond the normal rhythm of their role and discover how their skills stand up under pressure.
That challenge is particularly valuable for laboratory apprentices.
Strong laboratory work depends on people who can follow processes accurately, think clearly and recognise when something does not look right. It requires technical knowledge alongside care, curiosity and sound judgement.
Whether a laboratory supports research, testing, teaching, manufacturing or quality control, these skills are fundamental to its success. Much of the work may happen quietly, but WorldSkills UK gives emerging technicians a national platform on which to demonstrate it.
For Martha, the finals offer an opportunity to showcase how far she has progressed through her apprenticeship and challenge herself alongside seven other finalists from across the UK.
Continuing Tiro’s WorldSkills UK success
Martha’s selection builds on Tiro’s success in the Laboratory Technician competition in 2025.
In its first year taking part, Tiro had more regional finalists than any other university or private training provider in the category. Two Tiro apprentices progressed to the National Finals in Cardiff, where Cliona Saunders-Cooney won the Gold Medal and Bartosz Suma received a Highly Commended award.
The wider competition has also brought international recognition to UK laboratory talent. Earlier this year, Team UK’s Ruth Douglas won gold in Chemical Laboratory Technician at WorldSkills Shanghai, having begun her journey in the UK national competition.
Martha now joins the next generation of national finalists, with the opportunity to demonstrate her skills in a competition that has helped develop some of the world’s best laboratory technicians.
Building the laboratory workforce
Martha’s achievement comes at a time when demand for specialist laboratory skills is expected to grow.
Skills England’s latest assessment of the life sciences sector identifies laboratory technicians as a priority occupation, with demand projected to grow by approximately 4,500 additional workers between 2025 and 2035.
Meeting that demand will require more than encouraging people to take an interest in science. Employers need technicians who can work safely and accurately, understand the importance of process and develop sound judgement through experience.
That takes structured training, meaningful workplace exposure and employers willing to invest in people at the beginning of their technical careers.
Apprenticeships provide a direct route into these specialist environments, allowing people to build knowledge alongside practical experience and gradually take on greater responsibility.
WorldSkills UK adds another dimension to that development, giving apprentices an opportunity to challenge themselves, benchmark their abilities against national standards and recognise just how far their skills can take them.
Gemma Hill, Delivery Manager at Tiro, who has helped spearhead the organisation’s participation in WorldSkills UK, said:
“We are delighted that Martha has progressed to the WorldSkills UK National Finals and will be representing Tiro on the national stage this November.
“Reaching the Finals is an outstanding achievement and reflects the skill, hard work and commitment Martha has shown throughout the competition.
“We are also incredibly proud of every Tiro apprentice who reached the National Qualifiers this year. Each of them stepped forward to test themselves against a demanding national standard and should feel proud of how far they progressed.
“Following Tiro’s success in the Laboratory Technician competition last year, it is fantastic to see that journey continuing in 2026.
“WorldSkills UK gives apprentices the opportunity to build confidence, strengthen their technical ability and see what they are capable of achieving. It also demonstrates the important role apprenticeships play in helping employers develop the skilled laboratory talent their organisations need.”
What happens next
Martha will compete in the Laboratory Technician National Finals at Bridgend College’s Pencoed Campus in South Wales on 18 and 19 November, putting her technical skills to the test alongside seven other finalists from across the UK.
The competition will culminate in the WorldSkills UK National Finals medal ceremony on Friday 20 November, which will be broadcast online from 7.30pm.
Whatever the result, Martha’s achievement in reaching the finals is already something to celebrate. Her progression reflects not only her individual ability and commitment, but also the value of giving emerging laboratory technicians opportunities to develop their skills and challenge themselves beyond the workplace.
Everyone at Tiro wishes Martha the very best of luck as she prepares to represent the organisation on the national stage.
We’ll be following her progress closely and look forward to sharing news of her experience at the finals.