Waterford students and apprentices to compete at WorldSkills Ireland 

Students from County Waterford are set to compete in this year's WorldSkills Ireland competition.

Eleven students and apprentices from around the Déise will participate in what is Ireland’s leading event dedicated to promoting skills, apprenticeship careers, and workplace opportunities for young people.

The event will take place in the RDS in Simmonscourt, Dublin from September 17 to 19.

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 per cent of student attendees attended, learning about practical, skills-based routes, which the organisers said is a clear sign of the growing appetite for apprenticeships and technical careers.

Across the three days, the 11 students and apprentices from County Waterford 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 Waterford include: Mary Barron, competing in Welding; Rachel Horsom, competing in Electrical Installation; Ryan Kielty, competing in Digital Construction (BIM); Adam Long, competing in Digital Construction (BIM); Michael O'Regan, competing in Digital Construction (BIM); Jason Murphy, competing in Digital Construction (BIM); Noah Quilty, competing in Cooking; Aaron Scanlan, competing in Metal Fabrication; Alex Whelan, competing in Welding; Tadgh Whitmore, competing in Painting and Decorating; Kristers Zakis, competing in Industrial Insulation.

Commenting on the announcement of the finalists Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland, remarked: "WorldSkills Ireland is a celebration of talent and a vital platform for promoting apprenticeship and skills-based career opportunities. 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," he added.

Mr English went on to comment: "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."

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.

WorldSkills Ireland 2025 is also supported by Category sponsors SIMI (Society of the Irish Motoring Industry) and Fáilte Ireland as well as competition sponsors, Amazon, BOC, BWG Food Supplies, Bus Éireann & Dublin Bus, Capital Hair, Chef Network, Corcorans Food Equipment, Crown Paints, IFSA, ISOPARTNER, Jones Engineering, King & Moffatt, Lincoln Electric, Metron, Mitsubishi Electric Ireland, MSLETB & Craft Butchers, OPW, Saint-Gobain, SISK, SMC, Symetri, Unilin Insulation, and Volkswagen Group Ireland.

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 19. The event will be free to attend and registration for the event is now open at www.worldskillsireland.ie.