Ballymena man David McKeown
In a fantastic achievement, young Broughshane man David McKeown demonstrated his world-class skills on the global stage this week, securing bronze as part of Team UK in the WorldSkills competition which took place in Lyon, France.
The members of Team UK, selected, mentored and trained by WorldSkills UK, have been recognised as among the most skilled young people in the world by leading global industry experts following their medal winning performance at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, known as the ‘skills Olympics’.
Over 1500 young people from 69 countries competed over four days of tough competition in 62 different skills at WorldSkills Lyon. The event was watched by over 250,000 spectators.
David who works with his father James (James McKeown Accident Repair) and trains at Riverpark Training, achieved his bronze medal in the Autobody Repair category.
Speaking to FE Week, David said his win felt “very surreal”.
“I went in with a really good head at the start of the competition,” he said. “The first two days were really good, the third day was hard.
“I realised how tight my competition was. China and Japan really made my job hard but fair play to them.”
TUV Party Leader and MP Jim Allister, alongside part y colleague North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston offered their congratulations to David following his success at WorldSkills competition.
North Antrim MP Jim Allister said:
“Hearty congratulations to Broughshane’s David McKeown who secured a bronze in this year’s WorldSkills competition in Lyon, France, for his skill in autobody repair.
“To have this success on the global stage is a truly remarkable achievement of which he should be rightly proud. This is recognition for his incredible talent and, importantly, hard work. I sincerely hope this award will not only encourage David but act as an inspiration to others who will excel in business in the days ahead.”
Local TUV MLA Timothy Gaston added:
“I am delighted to be able to pass on congratulations to David following this success. This is yet more evidence of the remarkable place I have the privilege to represent.”