John O'Neill

Skill:

IT PC Network Support

Home Town:

Bedfordshire

Employer:

Barnfield College

Qualifications:

Cert Ed
MSC Project Management

Other training:

CISCO Instructor

Memberships :

MIFL
APM

Are you City & Guilds qualified?:

Yes

What involvement have you had with competitions?:

I was a previous training manager for information network cabling and the EuroSkills ICT team.

Who would you like to thank for their support?:

I would like to thank Barnfield College, DH Systems and Coast Networks.

What made you take on this role?:

I wanted the change to work with highly motivated and skilled young people.

Why do you think WorldSkills is important?:

It raises the standards and skill levels of vocational skills.

What do you enjoy most about your role?:

The challenge.

How has this year differed to WorldSkills Calgary 2009?:

This cycle I have changed trades and now I am working with a number of potential competitors.

How are you using this experience in your workplace?:

By working with the college to make competitions of excellence part of day to day business.

What do you think being part of this process does for young people?:

It raises their skill levels and confidence; it also makes them more marketable in the job market.

What sets a WS competitor apart from your average young person?:

A WS competitor possesses motivation, determination and the ability to work with extreme pressure.

What would be your message to industry about entering future competitions?:

Be part of it, it raises both our industries profile and skill levels.

What impact will WorldSkills London 2011 have on your industry?:

It promotes vocational skills and qualifications to SME’s.

Something we didn’t know about you...:

I am a keen Irish rugby supporter.

Part of the National Apprenticeship Service