A Mayoral Reception took place in the city this week for students and apprentices from Atlantic Technological University, to celebrate their achievements.
Last year saw 25 students and apprentices from across ATU fight their way to the national finals of the WorldSkills 2022 competition.
Ultimately, ATU students took home top prizes in four competition, after competing against tough opponents in ten categories.
ATU claimed first, second and third places in the Joinery Category with Barry Gordon from Easkey, Sligo coming first in the Worldskills Ireland Joinery final in the RDS.
Barry was pushed all the way through an intense three day competition by his fellow ATU students, Conor Hannify and Bobby Douglas who finished second and third place respectively.
Dion O’Sullivan from Macroom, Co. Cork won the Automotive Technology category for ATU while Hotel Management student at ATU and Sligo native Jordan K. Barrins came first in the Restaurant Service category.
ATU student Colm Healy from Lissarulla, Claregalway, now working for RPS won the inaugural Digital Infrastructure Design competition.
Conor Whelehan from Ballintogher, Co Sligo came first in the Plastic Die toolmaking competition which was held at ATU Sligo campus, the only competition held outside of the RDS.
A Mayoral reception in honour of their achievements to date, and wishing them luck in the world finals this year, took place at the Ardilaun Hotel on Monday.
Speaking about the achievements of ATU, Mayor Clodagh Higgins congratulated the competitors, commenting that “…25 apprentices and students from ATU demonstrated the best of our region, competing in 10 categories, against over 180 young people.”
“The ATU competitors showed excellent technical skills, team work, time management and most importantly, the confidence and ability to work under pressure – no mean feat, with over 15,000 visitors watching them compete.”
She praised the students for the calm heads and technical skills they displayed in the competition.
Mayor Higgins also acknowledged the work of the mentors, tutors and employers, who supported competitors in their endeavours, and shared their passion for their trades and subjects to a new generation.
President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn, also spoke and acknowledged the achievements of the students, apprentices, and staff.
Mayor Higgins wished competitors well in the global WorldSkills Final in 2023, and in their future careers and studies.
