Kasie Gierek, Manchester Metropolitan University
The 22-year-old degree apprentice from Warrington decided to set herself a challenge when she saw an advert inviting professionals to enter a regional WorldSkills UK competition. Kasia has 10 GCSEs and secured three A-levels (Chemistry, Biology, and Maths). She completed a degree apprenticeship at Manchester Metropolitan University, graduating with first-class honours. She completed her degree apprenticeship at Italmatch Chemicals, where she now works full-time as a research and development chemist. Kasia joined the WorldSkills UK cycle later, having excelled at the WorldSkills UK national finals in 2023.