WOW: Laois student beats thousands nationally in winning top research award
Portlaoise student receives top award at Department of Education
A Laois leaving cert student was presented with a top award at the Department of Eduction this week, having won for her outstanding research project.
More than 1,700 students explore over 200 careers in CareersPortal Career Skills Competition 2026, with winners honoured at a special ceremony in Dublin this week.
Pictured: CareersPortal Managing Director Eimear Sinnott with Portlaoise student Moya Keating
To enter, Moya researched teaching as a career, outlined relevant education pathways, identified key skills and knowledge and reflected on how the experience has influenced her aspirations.
Students entered in English or Irish, either through a written submission or a vlog.
Winners in each category received MacBook Air laptops, with second-place winners receiving iPads, and third-place students awarded Apple AirPods. All commended students also received prizes. In addition, four schools received €1,000 each to support their career guidance programmes.
On Wednesday 6 May, Moya Keating was one of the top 35 students from 21 counties across Ireland who were honoured at an award ceremony at the Clock Tower, Department of Education, where they gathered with families, teachers and guidance counsellors from across the country to celebrate their achievements.
Industry leaders congratulating the students include CareersPortal Director Ms Eimear Sinnott, Fáilte Ireland Head of Tourism Careers Ms Sarah Dolly, Construction Industry Federation (CIF) CEO Andrew Brownlee, Research Ireland and ESERO Ireland's Brendan Owens, and Conchubhair Mac Ghloinn of An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta.
Now in its 16th year, the competition encourages senior cycle students who have completed a work experience placement to reflect on the skills they developed and to explore a potential future career.
CareersPortal is Ireland's leading career guidance website, offering advice to second-level students, graduates, adult learners, job seekers, parents and guardians, as well as teachers and guidance counsellors.
Pictured: Students across Ireland who were recognised for their hard work on Wednesday
The creative industries were well represented too, reflecting the success of Ireland in this sector with actors like Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal and Cillian Murphy internationally and with many students exploring careers in acting, film production in Irish and English, journalism and radio broadcasting, including placements with Beat Radio, Radio Rí Rá, and the Anglo Celt.
The healthcare sector remained especially popular, while there was a notable rise in interest in apprenticeship pathways, particularly in traditional construction trades like carpentry, plumbing and electrical work.
Roles in childcare and those supporting older people were also explored by students, helping them develop valuable perspectives on the needs of the younger and older members of our communities.
The competition is proudly supported by a range of key industry and education partners, each presenting special awards in their respective fields.
Students can use their entries to support their GAISCE Bronze Medal (The President’s Award).
Speaking at the event, Eimear Sinnott, MD of CareersPortal praised the Portlaoise student and her fellow participants.
“Work experience is a vital part of career exploration but it only delivers real value when it is accessible to all students, not just those with the social capital or personal connections to secure placements," said Ms Eimear Sinnott, Managing Director of CareersPortal.
"Creating a level playing field requires strong engagement from Industry to openly offer opportunities and ensure equitable access.
"It was so refreshing to see students explore such a wide range of educational pathways. From Further Education and Training courses to apprenticeships and higher education options, they looked well beyond the traditional route, reminding us that the CAO is just one of many paths to a fulfilling career," she said.
"Whatever the setting, the skills students developed are highly transferable. In an evolving world of work, particularly with the rise of AI, it is these human skills that will truly set them apart," Ms Sinnott finished.