Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey has congratulated the Irish WorldSkills team prior to their departure for the 40th WorldSkills competition in Canada.

Every two years, hundreds of the best young professionals from trades, service and technical programmes around the world gather to display their talents and abilities.

It is the biggest event of its kind in the world, and this year competitors will meet in Calgary, in Alberta, from 2nd to 5th September.

Over 900 international competitors will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals in 45 skill categories.

Eleven Irish competitors are travelling to take part in a diverse range of apprenticeships such as, aircraft maintenance; bricklaying; carpentry; electronics installation; construction metal works; and plastering and dry wall systems installation.

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Minister Haughey said: "The eleven ambassadors who are competing on behalf of Ireland are showcasing Ireland's elite in this sector."

He said it enables all those competing to "motivate and inspire successive generations" to see that vocational skills can lead to "secure and fulfilling lives in this ever changing, competitive world".

"Skills, trades and technologies professionals will continue to play a crucial role in the success of the modern global economy."

The 39th WorldSkills competition was held in Shizuoka, Japan in 2007.

The Irish team won one gold medal for plastering, four bronze medals and 10 medallions for excellence.

Over the past 10 WorldSkills Competitions, Ireland has won 17 gold, 14 silver and 16 bronze medals along with 87 medallions for excellence.

"This is a remarkable achievement for a country of its size," said the Minister.

"The scale of this important event is unrivalled. The eyes of the world are on the teams and their progress is keenly watched by hundreds and thousands of visitors who include young people, policy makers, government representatives, employers, teachers, trainers and experts," said Mr Haughey.

"I know the Irish team will do us proud once again," he added.

(PR/JM)