Cork man Mark heading to France to showcase his cyber skills

Cork man Mark Drinan is one of 18 young people who have travelled to Lyon in France this week to compete as part of Team Ireland at the 2024 World Skills event.

The World Skills competition will see more than 1,500 competitors from over 71 countries and regions around the world demonstrate their skills across 62 areas.

Team Ireland will compete in areas including industrial mechanics, beauty therapy, carpentry, food and hospitality, cybersecurity and construction.

Ireland’s talented team, including Cork native Mark, was announced recently by Taoiseach Simon Harris and Higher Education Minister Patrick O’Donovan at Government Buildings in Dublin.

Showcasing

By competing at this very experienced level, Team Ireland is also showcasing the range and diversity of skills careers and apprenticeships that are available in Ireland.

“We hope that this will inspire today’s youth to explore the multiple career pathways available now through further education, apprenticeships, and higher education,” said Mr O’Donovan.

A cyber security analyst with IBM, Mark will be competing in a team of two for cyber security after beating off tough competition at the national skills competition to make the World Skills event.

Originally from Charleville, Mark now lives in Dublin and has previously competed at the Global Skills Challenge in Australia, winning gold in preparation for Lyon 2024.

Proud

Commenting on his journey to represent Ireland at World Skills Lyon, he said: “I am incredibly proud to represent Ireland as an international cyber security competitor at World-Skills Lyon. It is an honour to compete against top talent from around the world, making this competition a rewarding and humbling experience.

“We’ve received fantastic training from WorldSkills Ireland Experts and former WorldSkills cyber security competitors that will hopefully give us an edge come competition time. I am very grateful for all the support and guidance received from the experts and look forward to giving it our all in Lyon.”

CEO of SOLAS, the further education and training authority of Ireland, Andrew Brownlee, said: “Skills talent in Ireland has never been brighter, and the World Skills competition offers a fantastic opportunity for our young people to showcase their incredible skills.

“Team Ireland represents the modern-day apprentice, FET learner, and skilled worker of the future.

“FET and apprenticeships provide endless opportunities for students and career-seekers of all ages and backgrounds, helping people across Ireland to upskill, reskill, and unlock their potential through apprenticeships, traineeships, post-Leaving Certificate courses, and more,” he added.

Team Ireland competed for the first time in 1957 and has competed at every international competition since then, winning 63 gold medals, 53 silver, 80 bronze, and 174 diplomas/medallions of excellence among 732 Team Ireland competitors.