Matthew Shevlin, apprentice technician at Volvo Truck & Bus Service agent Murphy Commercials (Galway), has successfully reached the final stage of the Ireland Skills Live National Competition, which takes place at the RDS Simmonscourt Arena, Dublin from Thursday March 21st to Saturday March 23rd.
Launched in October last year the Ireland Skills National Competition Live promotes skills in apprenticeship, traineeship and graduate courses through a competition linked to World Skills International standards. Competitors are selected based on their ability to complete test projects under time pressure.
Twenty-one-year-old Matthew has been at Murphy Commercials (Galway) for three years and is currently in phase 5 (of 7) of his apprenticeship. After qualifying for the preliminary round based on results from his phase 4 examinations, Matthew finished in one of the top three qualifying spots for the finals. An exceptional achievement considering the other competitors are in the final phase of their apprenticeship training.
Des Murphy, owner and founder of the business said: “Matthew is a very good worker and is always eager to better himself as a technician. His exams results have been excellent and we are delighted with his progress in the competition to date. It is a great achievement for someone to qualify for the finals after just completing phase 4 of their training so we are very happy with his progress. It is a great experience for Matthew and all of the team at Murphy Commercials wish him the very best of luck.”
The winner of the Ireland Skills National Competition 2019 will progress to represent Ireland at the World Skills competition in Russia this August.