Westmeath man representing Ireland with world-class skills on international stage
Westmeath man Eric Bates 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 participants from more than 71 countries and regions around the world demonstrate their skills across 62 skills areas. The competition takes place from September 10 to 15.
Team Ireland will compete in areas including industrial mechanics, beauty therapy, carpentry, food and hospitality, cybersecurity and construction.
Ireland’s talented team was first announced by Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD at Government Buildings, Dublin in July.
At the announcement, 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.”
Eric, who is from Mullingar, will be competing in Painting and Decorating after beating off tough competition at the national skills competition to make the World Skills event.
He is an apprentice painter and decorator completing his training at City of Dublin ETB Ballyfermot and TU Dublin.
Commenting on his journey to represent Ireland at WorldSkills Lyon, Eric said: “I am delighted to be competing in the craft skill of painting and decorating at WorldSkills Lyon.
“It is particularly important to me as painting and decorating has not been part of the WorldSkills competition for 17 years, so I am honoured to be chosen to once again fly the flag for our trade.
“Having started as an apprentice at a young age, this feels like the culmination of a long journey where I get to showcase the skills of our trade on the biggest stage possible.
"The training and support I have received from the painting section in Linenhall, TU Dublin is second to none.
“I grew up in this trade and the expert is my father, Eric Bates. I believe this is a first where a father and son team go to represent our country at such a prestigious event.
“I will do my utmost to perform to my absolute best and represent my trade and my country at the competition.”
Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland (SOLAS) Chief Executive 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 (PLC) courses and more.”
Founded in 1950, WorldSkills International is a global organisation that promotes vocational, technological, and service orientated education and training.
It promotes skilled careers in 89 member countries and regions across the globe, all working with youth, educators, governments, and industries to help prepare the workforce and talent of today for the jobs of the future.
Team Ireland competed at WorldSkills for the first time in 1957 and has competed at every international competition since then.
It has since won 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.