Gabi Wilson, from Rhayader, will represent Team UK at EuroSkills Herning in Denmark, from Wednesday until Friday.
Her talent earned her a spot on the 19-member Team UK, which consists of seven Welsh competitors.
The competition has attracted 600 competitors, with Team UK competing in 17 different skills.
Ms Wilson works at Chapters, a Green Michelin star restaurant in Hay-on-Wye, and was chosen for Team UK following her success in national skills contests.
She was described as a “role model” for Welsh apprentices by apprenticeship providers.
A former Cambrian Training Company apprentice, Ms Wilson graduated with an Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery earlier in the summer.
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Lisa Mytton, strategic director of the National Training Federation for Wales, said: “From graduating with an Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery to being selected to represent Team UK at EuroSkills Herning 2025, Gabi’s journey is a testament to talent, tenacity and the power of learning in the workplace.”
Ms Wilson has also completed a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Patisserie and Confectionery at NPTC Group of Colleges in Newtown, which introduced her to WorldSkills UK competitions.
She said: “I love being in a competition atmosphere.
“It really motivates me and I’m excited to see where I stand among my European peers.
“Being selected to compete at EuroSkills is an amazing opportunity and one that might only come around once.”
In 2024, she became the first winner of the Green Chef Challenge at the Welsh International Culinary Championships.
Following the closure of her previous workplace, she secured a job at Chapters, where she is mentored by head chef and co-owner, Mark McHugo.
They supported her with training and boot camps in preparation for EuroSkills.
Ms Wilson credited her apprenticeships for building her confidence and skills.
She said: “It’s a great way to develop your skills in a live environment.”
Paul Evans, project director for Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales, said: “Team UK is using EuroSkills as a development platform for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
“This is part of the development programme for Gabi and the other team members and it will test their mental toughness and resilience under competition pressure over three days.
“By competing at EuroSkills, I hope she inspires more young people in Wales to consider cooking as a career pathway.”
Ms Wilson plans to secure a place in Team UK for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 following EuroSkills.
