Ten students and apprentices from Mayo set to compete at national event

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 17-19.

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, ten students and apprentices from County Mayo 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.

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Those competing from County Mayo include:

Callum Boon, competing in Industrial Control, Phelim Conway, competing in Polymechanics and Automation, Ben Loftus, competing in Plastering & Drywall Systems, Evan Neumann, competing in Construction Plant Fitting, Joan Ní Loideáin, competing in Cabinet Making, Jack Finnerty, competing in Bricklaying, Gavin Hopkins, competing in Carpentry, Brodie Mordecai, competing in Cooking, Robert Murray, competing in Cooking and Samuel Naylor, competing in Automobile Technology.

Commenting on the announcement of the finalists for WorldSkills Ireland, 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.

Ray adds: “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."

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

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