by HRHQ Editorial Team
Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan wished Team Ireland every success as the WorldSkills competition kicks off in France tomorrow night.
Team Ireland is made up of 17 competitors who will face off against more than 1,500 opponents from more than 71 countries and regions around the world, all demonstrating their skills across 62 skills areas. The Irish team will compete in 17 competitions including Industrial Mechanics, Joinery, Beauty Therapy, Restaurant Service, Cloud Computing and more.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said:
“This summer we have watched with pride and admiration as our athletes excelled at both the Olympics and the Paralympics and brought so much joy and excitement to our nation.
“Now it is the turn of another Irish team brimming with talent to demonstrate the quality of their skills and trade on the international stage.
“I was honoured and humbled to meet this team of dedicated professionals in July and it was clear that this a group of young people who are incredibly proud to represent their nation, and who are excited to compete against the best in the world.
“I am looking forward to seeing how they fare this week, and I know I can speak for everyone in government when I wish them all the best of luck in their competitions.”
Minister O’Donovan, who will attend the opening ceremony in Lyon tomorrow evening, said:
“I want to take this opportunity to wish these outstanding young people the very best this week as they compete at World Skills.
“They have been training hard for the past year to improve their skills and I know they have come to France determined to succeed.
“Team Ireland are proof that we have a wealth of talent across traditional areas such as Building and Construction and Beauty Therapy and Restaurant Service, but also in newer areas such as Cyber and ICT.
“The World Skills competition is the perfect platform to show the world what we can do in these areas, while also promoting the value of skills-based learning in Ireland.
“I am in Lyon this week to cheer on Team Ireland, and I am incredibly excited to see how they progress.”
WorldSkills Ireland-Chair/Technical Delegate Ray English said:
“In the hands of our apprentices competing at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, we see the future – one shaped by skill, passion, and determination.
“These young skills champions have not just mastered their trades; they are proving that excellence is achieved through hard work, resilience, and the courage to innovate. They will do Ireland proud in the Olympics of Skills.”
The 47th WorldSkills Competition opens tomorrow evening (September 10th) at the Eurexpo Lyon, with events beginning on Wednesday morning and running until Sunday the 15th.
