Two Laois students will compete alongside 180 teens in a national competition testing trade skills this September.

WorldSkills Ireland, Ireland’s leading event dedicated to promoting skills, apprenticeship careers, and workplace opportunities will test finalists on a range of skills-based trades.

Laois apprentice Brian Kuehnle will compete in Industrial Mechanics, and fellow Laois local Ruán Murgatroyd will battle it out in Cloud Computing.

Pictured: competitor, Ruán Murgatroyd with Martin Phelan, Examiner and Brian Kuehnle, Competitor

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 17 to 19.

Over 180 finalists will go head-to-head in a range of skills-based trades, including automotive, construction, creative arts, hospitality, ICT and manufacturing and engineering. 

Now firmly established as a must-attend event in school calendars, it will welcome over 30,000 senior-level secondary students from over 300 schools across Ireland to discover real alternatives to university and explore exciting, future-focused career paths. In 2024, 75% of student attendees came to learn about practical, skills-based routes, a clear sign of the growing appetite for apprenticeships and technical careers.

Across the three days, the two students from County Laois will put their talents and knowledge to the test when they compete against their peers on the national stage during the live competitions taking place at the event.

Over 180 finalists will go head-to-head in a range of skills-based trades, including automotive, construction, creative arts, hospitality, ICT and manufacturing and engineering. Those competing from County Laois include Brian Kuehnle, competing in Industrial Mechanics and Ruán Murgatroyd, competing in Cloud Computing.

"WorldSkills Ireland is a celebration of talent and a vital platform for promoting apprenticeship and skills-based career opportunities," said Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland.

"This year, students and apprentices from across the country will compete in 35 different skill areas, each working to exacting standards and under time pressure. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase their abilities and, for some, take the next step towards representing Ireland on the world stage," he said.

“This event opens doors for students to discover exciting alternatives to traditional academic routes, shining a light on the variety of training and apprenticeship options available, and the rewarding careers they can lead to.

"By championing skills and apprenticeships, we’re helping to develop the expertise and innovation needed for Ireland’s industries to thrive. The combined support of educators, industry leaders and government makes WorldSkills Ireland a unique and powerful driver for the future of our young people and our economy," Mr English finished.

Running alongside the Irish Times Higher Options, WorldSkills Ireland offers unmatched value for schools, with students gaining exposure to both academic and vocational pathways in one visit.

Supported by leading industry partners including SISK, Construction Industry Federation, and ESB Networks, education partner the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, and the Government of Ireland and Apprenticeship Ireland, the event will also feature interactive ‘Try a Skill’ zones, immersive VR experiences, industry talks, live demonstrations across trades and technical professions, and companies ready to recruit.

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 19th September and is a day not to be missed! Free to attend, registration for the event is now open – www.worldskillsireland.ie.

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