Seven students and apprentices from Donegal to compete at WorldSkills Ireland

WorldSkills Ireland, Ireland’s leading event dedicated to promoting skills, apprenticeship careers, and workplace opportunities for young people is returning to the RDS, Simmonscourt from September 25-27 2024.

Across the three days seven students and apprentices from Donegal will put their talents and knowledge to the test, when they compete against their peers on the national stage during the live competitions.

Over 170 finalists will go head-to-head in a range of skills-based trades including automation, constructions skills, ICT and culinary arts. Those competing from county Donegal include:

Joey McBrearty is competing in the bricklaying competition, Nathan Wray and Seoirse Ellison will take part in carpentry, Kelly Mairs is competing in craft butchery, Ciaran Chaney will compete in cyber security, Oisin Alexander who is competing in welding and Michael Boyle will compete in heavy vehicle maintenance.

“Congratulations to all the exceptional young individuals who have earned their place as finalists at WorldSkills Ireland in September” commented Ray English, chair of Worldskills Ireland.

“This achievement is a testament to their dedication and skill, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate their talents.

WorldSkills Ireland is more than a competition; it's a celebration of skills and a vital platform for promoting apprenticeship and skills-based career opportunities. The event is designed to give students a chance to discover alternatives to university education, showcasing the multiplicity of skills training and apprenticeships on offer and profiling the long-lasting and fulfilling careers currently available across Ireland.

“We believe that by promoting skills and apprenticeship opportunities, we can develop innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of various industries. The collaboration between education, industry, and government at WorldSkills Ireland is not only unique, but it is crucial in creating a brighter future for our young people and strengthening Ireland's economy."

Alongside the competitions, there will be demonstrations, try out areas, inspiring real-live talks from industry experts, an opportunity to meet employers who are ready to recruit and the chance to view innovative digital tech skills that are the backbone of jobs of the future. 

Designed to promote skills, apprenticeship careers and opportunities for young people, the event allows students, parents, teachers, and guidance counsellors to navigate the options available following secondary education. The Finals Day is set to take place at the RDS, Dublin on Friday, September 27. It is free to attend, registration for the event is now open on the Worldskills Ireland website.