Mayo man to showcase world-class skills on international stage

MAYO man Gary Golden is one of 18 young people who travelled to Lyon, France, this week to compete as Team Ireland at the 2024 WorldSkills event.

The WorldSkills competition will see over 1,500 competitors from more than 71 countries and regions 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, at Government Buildings.

Gary will be competing in industrial mechanics after beating off tough competition at the national competition to make the WorldSkills event.

Gary, from Swinford, attended Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim ETB and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Limerick for the craft of Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitting (MAMF).

Commenting on his journey 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 - and Ireland.

“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 coordinating the training programme, and Patrick Lawrence, manufacturing technology instructor in MSLETB, for delivering training in Ballina TC.

“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.”

Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, 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.”