Mechanics are certainly in the blood for Richard Cahoon, from Cookstown who is about to take part in an intensive Auto Skills UK selection competition for the World Skills finals in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2015. Son of Willoughby Cahoon the owner of CVL Repairs Cookstown, Richard is said to have had an obsession with cars since he was able to talk!
For Richard there was only one career path he would ever take and he is currently fulfilling his ambition by studying an NVQ Level 3 Motor Vehicle apprenticeship at South West College Omagh Campus. Richard’s high achievement on this programme led to his nomination by his lecturers to compete in the UK Skills finals taking place in Emtec, in Nottingham from the 5th to the 7th February.
Richard said; "I am delighted 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 Gormley Motors in particular has been fantastic. With Gormley Motors operating as agents for Isuzu, Subaru, Great Wall and Vauxhall I have been able to gain experience on a wide range of makes and models. This 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".
Richards’s employer, Edward Kyle of Gormley Motors Omagh said; "We are delighted for Richard, he is a very conscientious apprentice. Richard has always shown a keen interest in developing his skills and continually tries to challenge himself with modern technologies. All the team at Gormley Motors wish him every success".
Gormley Motors has had a long established link with the South West College, a relationship spanning over 30 years. Mr Kyle added; "Richard’s success highlights the achievements that can be gained through the Apprenticeship programme, which I would strongly recommend".
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. Richard is a very dedicated student and his attention to detail and willingness to learn and improve is the main reason that he is in this competition. A special word of thanks must go to Baskin Hassard from Hassards Engineering Garage in Fivemiletown who trained Richard 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 Richard 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 Richard’s progress become a friend of the motor vehicle department on South West College’s Facebook page.