Patrick was introduced to WorldSkills UK Competitions while he was studying for a Higher-Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronics at Southern Regional College. What started as a way to enhance his skillset and his apprenticeship during Covid quickly sparked a passion and one that would shape his future in engineering.
Patrick’s hard work paid off when he and teammate Caolan struck gold at the 2024 WorldSkills UK National Finals, and they were named two of the best young engineers in the UK. Their win led to places on the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 training squad and selection to represent the UK in Industry 4.0 at EuroSkills Herning 2025, where they won the bronze medal.
“It was unlike anything I have participated in, and it’s an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. From working to the high standard of international competition to the unbelievable scale of the competition”, explains Patrick.
However, success at EuroSkills didn’t automatically guarantee Patrick and Caolan a place in the team for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 and Patrick said it was utter relief when they found out they had been selected to join Team UK.
For Patrick, this success also confirmed what he already knew: choosing a Higher-Level Apprenticeship was the right choice for him.
“It wasn’t always engineering, like most kids at 15-16, I had no idea what I wanted to pursue as a career. Engineering really only clicked after my week’s work experience turned into a summer job in a local refrigeration company”, explains Patrick. “The Higher Level Apprenticeship offered me the opportunity to work in the field of Engineering while learning how to use industrial specific programs and cutting edge technology. All while accumulating zero student debt. All these benefits were too good to ignore making it the obvious choice.” Patrick found the skills he has learnt through competing have played an important role in his apprenticeship, and his employers at AJ Power in Northern Ireland have also recognised this and have been hugely supportive of his training programme with WorldSkills UK.
“Problem-solving is at the heart of competing, and it’s critical for my job. I love being thrown a challenge at work and figuring out the best solution. The techniques I’ve picked up through competition training have made me a better engineer helping me fulfil my role at A J Power”, explains Patrick.
Patrick is being supported in his training by WorldSkills UK Training Managers Marcin Regulski (Lear Corporation) and Omid Teimoori (Didactic Services Ltd). Patrick is also supported by Sean mac Diarmada, a lecturer at Southern Regional College who has guided Patrick since his first involvement in WorldSkills UK Competitions.
“After years of hard work, training, and pushing myself to the limit, I can’t wait to compete on the world stage in Shanghai.”
