The World Skills competition will see over 1,500 competitors from more than 71 countries and regions around the world demonstrate their skills across 62 skills areas. Team Ireland will compete in areas including industrial mechanics, beauty therapy, carpentry, food and hospitality, cybersecurity and construction.
Ireland’s team was announced by Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD at Government Buildings, Dublin.
Jamie Connick is from Crosstown, Co Wexford and will be competing in Automobile Mechanics after beating off tough competition at the national skills competition to make the World Skills event. Jamie attended Limerick ETB and South East Technological University (SETU). His employer is JA Boland Wexford where he is an apprentice automobile mechanic.
Liam Roche is from Wexford Town and is a student at SETU in architectural technology and a BIM practitioner. He is competing in digital construction.
Daniel Kearns is also from Crosstown and will be competing in metal fabrication. He is an apprentice at Kent Stainless and completed his phase 2 at Waterford and Wexford ETB and his phase 6 training at Munster Technological University (MTU).
Jamie said: “I am beyond proud to be representing my country, county and myself at an international level. When I began my career as an automobile technician, I had no idea that a few short years later I would be able to compete at such a high level as WorldSkills competitions demand. Since my WorldSkills journey began in the national skills competition last September I have learned and gained new skills that will stay with me throughout my future career.”
Liam Roche from Wexford.
Liam said: “To get the opportunity to compete in something I am so passionate about with others from around the world who share that passion is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The expertise and training I am receiving from my expert Gordon Chisholm in SETU Waterford and my work in Mahon Fox Architects Wexford is incredible.”
Daniel said: “I am delighted to be part of Team Ireland for this years World Skills competition in Lyon. It is a huge honour to represent my country in my skill area. The training experience has been a once in a life time opportunity where the skills, knowledge and drive to perform to my best will stay with me for life. 12 weeks of intense training at MTU cork with Eamon Buggy in preparation for the competition has been so valuable to me by learning and upskilling in my trade, it’s an experience that I will never forget.”
Minister O’Donovan said: “By competing at this very experienced level, Team Ireland is also showcasing the range and diversity of skills careers and Apprenticeships available in Ireland. We hope that this will inspire today’s youth to explore the multiple career pathways available now through Further Education, Apprenticeships and Higher Education.”
Team Ireland competed for the first time in 1957 and has competed at every international competition since then winning 63 Gold medals, 53 Silver medals, 80 Bronze Medals and 174 Diplomas/Medallions of Excellence with 732 Team Ireland competitors. In 2016 Ireland Skills adopted the global branding to become WorldSkills Ireland.