This week will be no ordinary week for Declan McGrath from, Belleek. Declan is due to take part in an intensive Auto Skills UK selection competition for the World Skills finals in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2015. Declan was nominated for the competition by his lecturing team at South West College Enniskillen Campus where he is currently studying an NVQ Level 3 Motor Vehicle apprenticeship. Lecturer Raymond Fitzpatrick said; "Declan has achieved remarkably high standards on his programme of study and it was this record combined with his eagerness to learn that led to his nomination". The UK Skills finals taking place in Emtec, in Nottingham from the 5th to the 7th February.
Declan said; "I am nervous and excited to be taking part in the competition. Having the chance to compete at this level will be a great learning experience. The support that I have received from South West College and my employer Bundoran Motors in particular has been fantastic. The specialist industry knowledge, especially in high technology electrics, has provided me with vital experience for the intense competition heats that lie ahead. I hope all this knowledge and hard work, combined with a bit of luck, will enable me to perform well and achieve a place in the UK team for Brazil".
Declan’s employer, Kevin Keown the Managing Director of Bundoran Motors said; "We are delighted for Declan, he is a very diligent and competent apprentice. Declan has always shown a keen interest in developing his skills and continually tries to challenge himself with modern technologies. All the team at Bundoran Motors wish him every success".
Paul O’Loughlin, South West College Course Co-ordinator said; "The College is delighted to have another student ready to compete at the highest level. Declan’s attention to detail and willingness to learn are the main reasons why he is in this competition. A special word of thanks must go to Baskin Hassard from Hassards Engineering Garage in Fivemiletown who trained Declan on specialist Engine Mechanical Systems and all the teaching team at the College. I along with the motor vehicle team and the whole College wish Declan every success".
Auto Skills is a partner company of the WorldSkills UK, whose primary objective is to ensure that technical standards and expertise within the UK's automotive industry are constantly developed in line with employer's requirements. They achieve this by identifying and selecting the UK's most talented, young automotive technicians to compete in professionally organised and challenging skills competitions.
To follow Declan’s progress become a friend of the motor vehicle department on South West College’s Facebook page.