Issac to take on the world at ‘Skills Olympics’

While sporting stars will be going for gold at the Olympics in Paris later this year, Issac Bingham will be part of a group of talented young apprentices and students who will compete at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, known as the ‘Skills Olympics’.

The event will see over 1500 young people from 65 countries competing in 62 different skill disciplines.

All aged under 25, the members of Team UK will be competing, from 10 -15 September, in disciplines including cyber security, renewable energy, digital construction, cooking, hairdressing and painting and decorating.

Issac, who is from Rathfriland and resides in Warrenpoint, will be hopeful for success, having previously tasted glory at WorldSkills UK, where he secured a gold medal.

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “WorldSkills Lyon 2024 - think Olympic Games – where the prize is the world-class skills that UK employers are crying out for.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Isaac Bingham and all of the exceptional young people in Team UK; they are fantastic role models. Together with Pearson, we will use their participation at WorldSkills to boost the prestige of technical and vocational education, inspiring many more young people to take up technical and vocational training across the UK to help drive investment, jobs and economic growth.”

Max Whitlock OBE, Triple World and Olympic Champion Gymnast, Six-time Olympic Medallist and former BTEC student said: "Huge congratulations to the remarkable 'skills Olympians' selected to represent the UK at the upcoming WorldSkills competition. Their passion and hard work will guarantee that UK skills will shine bright on the global stage this September. My support goes out to every member of Team UK as they prepare to take on the world in Lyon!"

Lindsay Bronte, Organisation Development Manager at Southern Regional College added: “I am absolutely delighted that Isaac has been selected to represent the UK in Lyon 2024. Isaac’s talent was evident at an early stage of his studies with the college and that talent combined with his dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to self-improvement has been rewarded with this recognition. I wish him well for what will be an intense period of preparation over the next few months and event itself in September.”

WorldSkills Lyon 2024, the 47th WorldSkills Competition, will take place from September 10-15.