An electrical apprentice from County Tipperary conducted himself well under pressure at the TUS Moylish campus and was chosen to go forward to the National World Skills finals.
Three students took part in The Industrial Automation & Control Regional Final on Monday, June 23rd.
They were: Patrick Barnwell, from Kildalkey, County Meath, from ESB Networks; Lee Gleeson, from Rosegreen, Co. Tipperary, who is doing an apprenticeship with David O’Mahony, and Kevin Robuchon, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary, who works for Kirby Group Engineering in Raheen, Co. Limerick.
The trio had to wire a Star/Delta Motor starting process and programme it through a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). They were required to draw and describe the full process as part of the assessment including all programming and documentation.
Kevin was crowned the winner of the regional heat and will now compete in the national finals, taking place in the RDS in Dublin from Wednesday, September 17th to Friday, September 19th.
Kevin said afterwards: “I would like to say thanks to Kirby Group Engineering, who have given me this opportunity via the apprenticeship and also to all at TUS for the support and guidance particularly the excellent lecturers. I am looking forward now to doing my very best at the finals in Dublin.”
The event also coincided with the retirement of lecturer Francis Condon who has been a driving force of the competition in TUS for two decades.
David Sims, Head of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, TUS, added: “The TUS Midwest Regional World Skills competition is always the highlight of the apprenticeship calendar, but this year it holds special significance as it marks Francis Condon’s final year as mentor.
“The success of the apprentices Francis has guided over more than 20 years is a testament to his dedication and expertise, with many going on to win at the national finals.”