Video: Northern Ireland car repairer strikes world bronze at 'skills Olympics' in Lyon

A car repairer from Ballymena has smashed all expectations bringing home a bronze medal from the 'skills Olympics' in Lyon.

David McKeown was among 1,500 competitors from 80 nations competing in dozens of skills disciplines on the world stage at the WorldSkills 2024. The event earlier this month was watched by over 250,000 spectators.

The 20-year-old, who works for his family firm James McKeown Accident Repair in Broughshane and trains at Riverpark Training in Northern Ireland, came third for Team UK in auto-body repair at the competition in France.

The event allows apprentices and vocational students world-wide to showcase their talents in areas such as engineering, construction and computer coding on the global stage.

Touching down exhausted from his efforts, David said he was ‘overwhelmed’ and full of pride, hope and plans for the future.

He explained: “I’m emotional and overwhelmed. I want to thank everyone that’s supported me.

"Gracie my girlfriend has been great as I worked round the clock. My dad has been suffering, covering for me at work. "

His inclusion in Team UK, came after three years success in regional and national competition, followed by squad selection and a period of intense training.

David continued: “It was an honour and a fantastic opportunity to showcase my passion for my skill internationally. It was a huge moment."

In preparation for WorldSkills Lyon 2024, David demonstrated his commitment by training every Friday afternoon from 2pm to 5pm. This dedication was further highlighted by his opportunity to travel to Thailand with WorldSkills UK for team selection, where he trained alongside peers from Thailand and Japan.

Hoping to follow his passion is to travel across the world and start his own business, such as an auto-body repair company, David added: “I have big plans to push my family business, starting up somewhere out of Europe – that’s my dream.”

Urging others to get involved with WorldSkills, David stated: “It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that not everyone gets to experience. It’s a chance to showcase your passion and skills on an international stage.”

Proud of his son’s achievement, dad James McKeown added: “We were back in JMAR after a brilliant few days in Lyon @worldskills and we are delighted that David has brought a bronze medal home with him! Quite an achievement to be titled 3rd best in the world!”

WorldSkills UK, a government funded charity, selects, trains and manages the team.

The next WorldSkills Competition will take in 2026 in Shanghai, China.

Ben Blackledge, chief executive, WorldSkills UK, added: “It is fantastic to be in the top 10 once again at WorldSkills. It’s brilliant to see that our continued focus on raising the quality and standard of skills is delivering, not only for Team UK but the country as a whole.

"High quality skills development is crucial to growing the economy, and Team UK’s medal-winning performance in front of a global audience sends a strong message that the UK is a world-class place to invest, develop talent and create jobs.”

Partner of the event, Freya Thomas Monk, managing director of Vocational Qualifications and Training at Pearson, concluded: “My warmest congratulations to Team UK for their impressive performance this week.

"I have really enjoyed the incredible sense of community and collaboration here in Lyon - WorldSkills isn’t just about celebrating achievements, it’s about sending a powerful message to governments, educators, and industries about the critical role of skills in driving economic growth and personal success.

"As a leader in lifelong learning, Pearson is proud to partner with WorldSkills UK.”

In response 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.”

Meanwhile 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.”