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 – 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—Europe’s largest skills competition. For Patrick, the success confirmed what he already knew: choosing a Higher Level Apprenticeship was the right choice for him. Patrick explains, how he discovered his passion for job.
“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”
Patrick adds: “Progressing through school, I was told “You need to go to university if you want to be engineer” but I knew that the teaching style and structure of University wouldn’t work for me. I have always been a hands on learner. 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.”
With experience competing in three WorldSkills UK Competitions: Automation, Mechatronics and Industry 4.0, Patrick was over the moon to be selected to compete on the European stage. He admits the training programme can be intense, but he knows that is what is needed to compete against the best young engineers in Europe and possibly the world next year at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Patrick is being supported in his training by Marcin Regulski, the WorldSkills UK Training Manager who works for Wago UK & Ireland and also Sean mac Diarmada, a lecturer at Southern Regional College who has guided Patrick since his first involvement in WorldSkills UK Competitions.
“After three years of hard work, training, and pushing myself to the limit, being selected for the team feels incredible. It’s more than just a personal achievement—it’s proof that the dedication has paid off. I can’t wait to travel to Denmark to compete at EuroSkills.”
Follow Patrick’s journey @WorldSkills UK
Pearson is the official partner of Team UK for EuroSkills Herning 2025 and WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Find out how the WorldSkills UK Learning Lab can support apprentices and learners.
