Minister of State for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor T.D. was delighted to welcome the Silver Medal winners from Ireland Skills Live – National Competitions to the Department of Education and Skills today to congratulate them personally on their achievements at the recent competition.
Today, 15 July, is World Youth Skills Day, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of youth skills development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
Speaking during the reception in Tyrone House at the Department of Education and Skills’ Dublin campus, Minister Mitchell O’Connor said
It is a great achievement to have won at Ireland Skills Live. I know that you were all challenged over the three-day event, competing for up to 18 hours each, against the clock, and under the watchful eyes of your peers, your fellow competitors, and the public. This achievement really highlights your individual dedication and commitment to your crafts.
Minister Mitchell O’Connor also commented on the significance of Worldskills and concluded:
Since joining sixty three years ago it has helped inspire and encourage the development of skills-based education in Ireland to an international standard.
Notes for Editors
Photos to follow from Jason Clarke Photography.
WorldSkills is the global hub for skills excellence and development. Through international cooperation and development between industry, government, organizations, and institutions, it promotes the benefits of and need for skilled professionals through grass-roots community projects, skill competitions, and knowledge exchange. The WorldSkills Competition, which is held every two years, is the world’s largest professional education event. Ireland’s official member of WorldSkills is the Department of Education and Skills who became the seventh member in 1956. WorldSkills has now over 80 members. Ireland has participated in all of the 37 WorldSkills Competitions held since 1957.
The Ireland Skills Live event in the RDS showcased the “best in class” in more than 30 national skills competitions in five categories – Construction & Engineering, Creative Arts, Beauty and Hospitality, Transportation and Aviation and ICT. While Ireland has a proud tradition of entry in WorldSkills finals, this was the first time that all the national competitions had been gathered under one roof. The winner of each skill competition had to compete against the most talented apprentices and trainees, in a marathon three days of competition to receive the prestigious Department of Education and Skills Silver Medal.
Further information on WorldSkills and Ireland Skills Live is available at www.worldskills.org and www.irelandskillslive.ie