Our Previous Representatives

2023 - Egypt

In 2023, there were two representatives chosen to represent Ireland in Egypt: 

• Catherine Gorton, H&S Manager with Ward and Burke
• Ahmed Sheikh, Senior Power Systems Engineer with EirGrid

When talking about her experience, Catherine had this to say:

“I think the YP programme provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a diverse network with passionate and experienced industry contacts.

The YP programme created opportunities to work within various teams, creatively collaborate and develop innovative solutions to international challenges.

My positive involvement in the IEC Young Professional Programme, particularly as a lead speaker in team presentations and a participant in "Standard in a Day," has been a fulfilling and enriching experience. The activities have hugely added to my knowledge but also gave me a better understanding of the importance of leadership and communication during the standardisation process. I feel this knowledge has also enhanced my professional capabilities. International standards play a critical role in shaping the future of all industries. I am grateful for the opportunities provided by the NSAI and IEC Young Professional Programme, I hope to continue to contribute to NSAI national committees and the global standards community”.

2022 - San Francisco

In 2022, NSAI chose two people to represent Ireland in San Francisco:

• Sweta Malik, Senior Power Systems Researcher at UCD
• Christopher Cano, Senior Connection Contract Specialist at EirGrid

When asked why should someone apply to the Young Professionals Programme, Christopher had this to say:

“Participating in the program and the workshop has been one of the most enriching experiences I have had in my career. I got from this event knowledge on new technology, how standards work and why they are important and the impact and reach the IEC has in the world.

In addition to the knowledge you obtain from participating and getting involved, meeting so many bright professionals within the age group required to participate added incredible value to my network. It is very uncommon to meet such a diverse group of professionals and interact with them both in a collaborative manner and for social events after the schedule of the day.”

2021 - Dubai

In 2021, three candidates were successfully chosen to represent Ireland virtually in Dubai:

• Neale Dalton, Safe Electric Electrical Inspector with SGS
• Eamonn O’Malley, Safety Development and Technical Lead within the ESB
• Aidan Heffernan, Chartered Electrical Engineer working in the ESB

When asked about his experience, Eamonn had nothing but praise for the opportunity:

“I am honoured to have represented Ireland at such a highly recognised event in the world of standardisation and conformity.

Although attending virtually, I have met some inspiring Young Professionals from all around the world, with a vast variety of backgrounds, and I look to strengthen these connections so that we can all lead the world towards a safer, digital and sustainable future.

The IEC Young Professionals programme was a fantastic opportunity to learn and understand how standards are being developed and implemented within the electrotechnical industry.

The workshop itself offered great educational and networking opportunities with the standard in a day bootcamp being one of the standout sessions during the 5 day workshop.

I would encourage anyone with an interest in electrotechnical standardisation to apply for the programme next year and hopefully you will be lucky enough to get selected to attend the workshop.”

2019 - Shanghai

In 2019, two people were successfully chosen to represent Ireland in Shanghai:

• Rebecca Bennis, ESG Implementation Team Lead at Diligent
• Shane McHugo, Senior R&D Engineer at WhiteSwell,

Rebecca described her experience in Shanghai as a great opportunity to learn and make new contacts:

“The IEC Young Professionals programme was a fantastic opportunity to learn and understand how standards are being developed and implemented within the electrotechnical industry. The workshop offered great educational and networking opportunities. The discussions among the 88 IEC Young Professionals from 41 different countries were very valuable to me from both a professional and personal standpoint.

The opportunity to network with individuals throughout all levels of IEC was invaluable and I got the chance to make some social connections that I know will last a lifetime. Not only that, but it was an excellent means to learn what’s going on in other areas globally. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing ideas, hearing from others about the challenges and opportunities they see in the technology world, and learning different culture.”