Team Jamaica gears up for WorldSkills Lyon 2024

The team representing WorldSkills Jamaica at the 47th WorldSkills Competition will be bigger than before. Six Competitors will bring their passion and determination to Lyon this September to compete in five skill competitions: Autonomous Mobile Robotics, Welding, Digital Construction, Optoelectronic Technology, and Graphic Design Technology.

The growth in skill areas reflects the increased support and investment Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has had in Jamaica since the last international event. With better access to cutting-edge technologies, enhanced engagement opportunities, and a longer preparation period, Team Jamaica is feeling quietly confident about its chances.

The training regime has been rigorous. Using insights and connections gained from WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition, the team has prioritized in-depth training in technical design, contingency management, and the execution of tasks related to past Test Projects. To help, the team is using relationships across the skills community to run mutual training sessions or host friendly competitions. This has included inviting industry specialists to Jamaica and sending Jamaican Experts abroad, such as to China, for additional exposure and capacity building.

Competitors have also had coaching in psychological preparedness, cultural integration, communication, planning and organizing, time management, and stress management. These initiatives are all designed to ensure the WorldSkills Jamaica Competitors are on par with their international counterparts, and that the team is well-rounded and ready to face the challenges of WorldSkills Lyon 2024.

Jayden Lawrence is typical of the WorldSkills Jamaica Competitors who are keen to show the impact of their hard work. He is competing in Lyon in Digital Construction and says he has been setting the alarm for 5:00 am every morning to give him as much time as possible to prepare. He says, “I have been going through intense training camps with other Competitors and I am committed to staying focused and disciplined, so I set myself apart. I am feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, but mostly excited to showcase my skill and make my country proud.”

Olivia Smith, a WorldSkills Expert in Digital Construction, has been impressed by Jayden’s dedication, and the hard work of all the Competitors. She says, “Preparing Jayden has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience. I have learned a lot and expanded my horizon in the Digital Construction field. I look forward to the Competition in September and the opportunities it will bring."

Through their participation in WorldSkills Lyon 2024 and by attending WorldSkills Conference 2024, WorldSkills Jamaica is hoping to gain more valuable insights as well as exposure to emerging technologies. The team plans to use the time in France to learn from other Members and network with the skills community and, for the six young Competitors, they hope to enhance their skills and increase their professional profiles.

Taneisha Ingleton, Official Delegate for WorldSkills Jamaica, says, “Our time in Lyon will, of course, be about the Competition. Yet, whatever the results on the podium, we also want to use the experience to learn more about modern TVET training systems, to understand the positive impact of TVET on industries and economies, and to forge important international partnerships that can support our own social and economic development.”

When Team Jamaica heads to Lyon, their preparation, dedication, and national pride promise to make their participation in WorldSkills Lyon 2024 memorable and impactful. Read more about the countdown for WorldSkills Lyon 2024 and learn about the WorldSkills Jamaica team.