Two Galway men, Joe Kelly and Keith Roberts, are part of a group of 18 young people travelling 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.”
The World Skills participants from Galway are Joe Kelly and Keith Roberts.
Joe is from Kilkerrin, Co Galway and is an apprentice Carpenter/Joiner. He attended Donegal ETB and Atlantic Technological University (ATU ) Sligo and he is competing in Joinery at the World Skills competition in Lyon.
Keith is from Clifden, Co Galway and he is a fulltime student in ATU Letterfrack doing Furniture Design. He is competing in Cabinetmaking in Lyon this week.
Commenting on their journey to represent Ireland at World Skills Lyon, Joe said he is delighted and honoured to be competing in Joinery as part of the WorldSkills Ireland team in Lyon this September.
“I’m currently training in SETU Carlow and the skills and knowledge I’ve received from Frank Trench are invaluable. Being a part of WorldSkills has really shown me the importance of having a skill and the limitless opportunities that come with it. I’d highly recommend it to anyone thinking about giving it a go.”
Keith said it was a dream come true for him to represent his country especially in a skill that he is so passionate about.
“Being part of team Ireland has given me the chance to sharpen my skills to a higher standard than I could have ever imagined. It means so much to be competing on the world stage as it shows how skills really can change lives, and that there are so many skills for young people to choose from.”
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.
