Conor Scanlon (21) from Collooney, Co Sligo has been named at a recent award ceremony in IT Sligo as Ireland’s representative in Precision Die Engineering at the 42nd World Skills Competition, Germany, in July.
The final year apprentice, who works with Avenue Mould Solutions, Finisklin, Sligo, says he is looking forward to starting intensive training at the Institute of Technology in preparation for the prestigious global showcase event which attracts some 100,000 visitors.
“I’ve had brilliant support from both Avenue Mould Solutions and IT Sligo,” Conor said. “I never thought I’d be chosen to represent Ireland.”
Conor will be supervised by IT Sligo’s Stephen Reid who, among other things, will be helping him perfect his skills in mould design, toolmaking and Computer Aided Machining, which are a vital part of modern tool making. Ireland Skills has designated Stephen as its “Expert in Plastic Die Engineering”.
Every two years hundreds of young people, accompanied by teachers and trainers, compete before the public in their chosen crafts, testing their skills against demanding international standards. They represent the best of their peers drawn from regional and national skill competitions held currently in 52 countries/regions.
Conor was named as the new holder of the Ireland Skills Precision Die Engineering / Toolmaking national title and as the Irish standard bearer in the craft at Leipzig. After IrelandSkills’ John Twohig of Cork IT made the announcements, Conor said: “I’m delighted to win the national final and it means a lot to me to be able to represent.” And, he added with a smile: “It’s nice to have it on the CV.”
As the FÁS-designated national centre for toolmaking apprenticeships at Phases 4 and 6, IT Sligo provides workshop tutoring and practical experience to up to 60 trainees from firms across the Republic each year. Hundreds of craftsmen and craftswomen have graduated through IT Sligo’s course since it became a national centre almost some 40 years ago.
In the IrelandSkills final, Conor and his co-competitors had to undertake an intricate mould making test piece over an intensive two-day period at IT Sligo in January. Conor and two other finalists, Co Carlow cousins Patrick Hickey, from Tullow, and Ryan Hickey, Hacketstown, who work for Autolaunch in Bagenalstown, were selected for interview for the international honour by an Ireland Skills panel in Dublin.
Conor follows in the footsteps of other IT Sligo apprenticeship trainees at IT Sligo. Competitors from the Institute have participated in the World Skills Press Toolmaking Competition on 14 occasions and in Mouldmaking once. It has also had competitors in Fitting, Turning, Milling, CNC Milling, Engineering Drawing, Carpentry and Joinery.
Úna Parsons, Head of the Department of Mechanical & Electronic Engineering at IT Sligo, said: “With industry analysts reporting a pressing need for more skilled toolmakers and precision engineers, the Institute is uniquely placed to produce high calibre craftspeople and specialist graduates who are forming a new generation of manufacturing excellence in this country.
“We are proud of our teaching expertise at IT Sligo and value greatly our relationships with FÁS and our partner firms in toolmaking hubs around the Republic.
“Conor and his fellow finalists in the IrelandSkills competition exemplify the very best in Irish toolmaking. They prove that manufacturing has a pool of bright talent eager to play its part in developing the sector to its full potential.”
Caption for top photo: The National Skills Awards in Plastic Die Engineering/Toolmaking were held at IT Sligo recently. Pictured from left to right are John Twohig, IrelandSkills; Conor Scanlon, engineering student and IrelandSkills winner from Drumfin, Co Sligo; and Professor Terri Scott, President of IT Sligo.
Caption for bottom photo: Conor Scanlon, from Drumfin Co Sligo, employed by Avenue Mould Solutions was named as the winner of the National Skills Awards in Plastic Die Engineering/Toolmaking at IT Sligo recently. Pictured from left to right are Úna Parsons, Head of Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, IT Sligo; Noel Gerrity, Production Manager of Avenue Mould Solutions; Brian Scanlon, father of Conor Scanlon; Conor Scanlon, engineering student and IrelandSkills winner; Carmel Scanlon, mother of Conor Scanlon; and Felim Neela, Managing Director of Avenue Mould Solutions.