Atlantic Technological University (ATU) won four categories at the Worldskills National Final in Dublin in September. The wins for ATU students included the Automotive Technology category as well as, Joinery, Restaurant Service and Plastic Die (Toolmaking).

A total of twenty-five Atlantic TU (formally known as the ITs - Galway-Mayo IT, IT Sligo, and Letterkenny IT) students competed against over 180 other young people in the 2022 Worldskills Ireland (WSI) event which took place over three days in the RDS Simmonscourt.  The three-day competition is the country’s largest experiential skills and apprenticeship event with over 15,000 visitors watching the finals, adding further pressure on competitors.

President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn congratulated the apprentices and students in their achievements in the final, “Atlantic TU has a great reputation for apprenticeship and skills-based learning and these awards are a testament to this.  I’ve seen first-hand the pressurised environment of these competitions and these young people have achieved something incredible, in winning four categories and claiming second and third place in several others.  I want to congratulate our all the participants and acknowledge the commitment and dedication of our students and the supporting staff who have made this possible.  This is a great achievement in our first Worldskills as Atlantic TU and shows the breadth of talent in our region. I wish them further success in the Worldskills Finals next year!”

Dion O’Sullivan from Macroom, Co. Cork won the Automotive Technology category. 

WorldSkills Ireland 2022 aims to promote college courses, apprenticeships and traineeships that offer skills and on-the-job learning. It also aims to help to address the serious skills shortage identified in Ireland and help inform students about the exciting career paths available through such courses.