Waterford students set to compete at Worldskills Ireland 2023

FIVE students and apprentices from Waterford will put their talents and knowledge to the test this September, when they compete at Worldskills Ireland 2023.

Worldskills Ireland is the country’s largest experiential skills, apprenticeships, and careers event and is expected to welcome over 22,000 people including students, parents and teachers. 

Taking place at the RDS, Dublin from September 20-22, it will be a live celebration of apprenticeships, skills and careers with interactive demonstrations, career zones and employers who are ready to recruit.

Over 160 National Finalists will go head-to-head in a range of skills-based trades including automation, constructions skills and culinary arts, for a chance to win the prestigious Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) Silver Medal and to represent Ireland at Worldskills Lyon next year.

Joining the other national finalists from across the country are Waterford natives Adam Long, Mount Pleasant, competing in the Digital Construction BIM competition; Kelly Wyse, Waterford, competing in the Hairdressing competition; Tadgh Whitmore, Ballinamult, competing in the Painting and Decorating competition; Tomás Nugent, Ballysaggart, competing in the Plastic Die Engineering competition; and Chris Bolger, Kill, competing in the Welding competition.

Commenting on the announcement of 2023’s National Finalists, Ray English, Worldskills Ireland Chair said: "Congratulations to all the young people from across the country that are set to compete at the National Finals during Worldskills Ireland in September.

"Worldskills Ireland is the gateway to Worldskills Lyon in 2024, the 47th international competition which is taking place in France next year and we know that we have some incredibly talented young people in Ireland who will make us proud during the national and international competitions," he continued.

"We believe that promoting apprenticeships and skills-based careers, we can create a brighter future for our young people whilst simultaneously progressing and evolving Ireland’s wider business economy."

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 22 and is free to attend. Registration for the event is now open here.