Waterford apprentice shows his world class skills
Aaron Scanlan and Maurice, from Radley Engineering, pictured at the World Trade Skills event.
There was great cause for celebration recently in County Waterford when a local apprentice showcased his talent at the Work Trade Skills Ireland, World Trade Skills event held in Dublin.
Over 35 different apprenticeship trades compete in the initiative and those who eventually get to compete on the RDS stage are among the very best in the country, having already gone through a range of preliminary competitions throughout the year to get to that stage.
Such is the high standard of the competition that only the top six in each category get through to that stage of the competition.
Aaron Scanlan, from the Tourin area of County Waterford, was among the participants who made it through and as such was considered among the best in his trade.
To get to the RDS is a massive achievement or the participants and involves a huge amount of work and skill.
Aaron's specialist skill is within the area of metal fabrication and for the competition in Dublin, he, along with the other apprentices involved, had to complete a project under the watchful eye of three examiners.
The projects were marked continuously throughout each day of the competition.
Aaron is employed by Radley Engineering and is in the third year of his apprenticeship.
His project work in the RDS, along with those of the other apprentices, was closely watched by teachers and companies from around the country along with friends and family members.
The event supports and raises awareness of the different trades and apprenticeships available as a career route for young people.
Apprentices have the bonus of earning while they are learning a very valuable trade, with the capacity to earn far more when fully qualified.
Aaron finished third in his competition with one 2 per cent separating the top three in the end. It was an incredible result and he brought great pride to everyone who knows him in County Waterford.
