Kildare man set to showcase world-class skills on international stage for Ireland

Sean McLoughlin, from Caragh, is one of 18 young people who travelled to Lyon, France this week to compete as Team Ireland at the 2024 World Skills event.

The WorldSkills 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 talented 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. 

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.”

Sean is part of Team Ireland and will be competing in Electrical Installations after beating off tough competition at the national skills competition to make the World Skills event. Sean from Caragh, Co Kildare is completing his apprenticeship with GMAC Electrical. He attended Laois & Offaly Education and Training Board and Atlantic Technological University (ATU). 

Commenting on his journey to represent Ireland at World Skills Lyon, Lee said: “I am delighted to be competing in electrical installations representing my country as part of world skills Ireland this year. To be able to compete at such a big event at something I am so passionate about is an honour for me. 

The expertise and drive to succeed that Gerard Galligan is supplying me through my training in DKIT is incredible. The opportunities and knowledge I have gained from world skills Ireland is something I will be forever grateful for.”

Andrew Brownlee CEO of SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland said: “Skills talent in Ireland has never been brighter, and the World Skills competition offers a fantastic opportunity for our young people to showcase their incredible skills. Team Ireland represents the modern-day apprentice, FET learner and skilled worker of the future. 

FET and Apprenticeships provide endless opportunities for students and career seekers of all ages and backgrounds, helping people across Ireland to upskill, reskill and unlock their potential through Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Post-Leaving Certificate (PLCs) courses and more.”

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.