Mayo man set to represent Team Ireland at WorldSkills competition in Lyon

Gary Golden from Swinford, County Mayo is competing in the 2024 WorldSkills event in Lyon, France this week for Team Ireland. 

Gary is one of the eighteen young people travelling from Ireland to compete in the competition in France. Over 1,500 competitors from more than 71 countries around the world will compete at the WorldSkills event which will see young people demonstrate skills across 62 areas. 

Team Ireland will be represented in a variety of categories, including Industrial Mechanics, Beauty Therapy, Carpentry, Food and Hospitality, Cybersecurity and Construction.

The Mayo man, Gary, will be competing in Industrial Mechanics following his win at the national skills competition to qualify for the WorldSkills event. He attended Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim ETB and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Limerick to learn the craft of Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitting.

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On making it to Lyon to represent Ireland, Gary said: "I am delighted to be part of Team Ireland for this year’s WorldSkills competition in Lyon. I am honoured to represent my Craft employer - Olandi Engineering, County Mayo and Ireland at WorldSkills Lyon 2024.

"The training at Kerry College in Tralee and MSLETB in Ballina in preparation for the competition in Lyon has been exceptional. I wish to thank Tom Cronin, Skills Expert in Kerry College for co-ordinating the training program and Patrick Lawrence, Manufacturing Technology Instructor in MSLETB for delivering training in Ballina TC."

Gary added: "This is a fantastic opportunity to further my career and the connections I have made through this experience is something I will never forget. I cannot express enough gratitude to everyone involved at WorldSkills Ireland for the opportunity."

The team representing Ireland at the international event was announced by Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD at Government Buildings in 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."

CEO of the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland SOLAS, Andrew Brownlee, said: "Skills talent in Ireland has never been brighter, and the WorldSkills 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."

Since first competing in the competition in 1957, Team Ireland has won 63 gold medals, 53 silver medals, 80 bronze medals and 174 Diplomas/Medallions of Excellence.

Find out more about the competition here.

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