Apprentices to show off skills on a world stage

Four students and apprentices from County Cavan will put their talents and knowledge to the test this September, when they compete at Worldskills Ireland 2023, the country’s largest experiential skills, apprenticeships, and careers event.

Taking place at the RDS, Dublin from September 20 to 22, Worldskills Ireland is set to welcome over 22,000 people for what 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 for the 47th annual competition.

Joining the other national finalists from across the country are County Cavan natives:

Jack O’Brien, Bailieboro, is competing in the Construction Plant Fitting competition, Jack is studying at MTU Cork and is employed by New Boliden Tara Mines; Alanna Moffit, Blacklion, is in the Cookery competition, she is studying at TU Dublin and is employed by Daniel Hannigan; Killian Collins, Ballyjamesduff, is a fully-time student at TU Dublin and will contest the Digital Construction BIM competition, and Oran Kavanagh, Mountnugent, is competing in the Sheetmetal competition. He is also studying in TU Dublin and is employed by Breffni Air

Supported by industry partners SISK, Construction Industry Federation (CIF), ESB Networks, Autodesk, Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus and education partners, Worldskills Ireland 2023 is designed to give students a chance to discover the key skills and sectors that drive the Irish economy.

Ray English, Worldskills Ireland Chair wished all the competitors the best of luck.

“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,” he said.

Worldskills Ireland 2023 will showcase the skills training and apprenticeships on offer nationwide. Alongside the competitions, there will be demonstrations, try out areas, 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.

Finals Day is set to take place at the RDS, Dublin, on Friday, September 22. It’s free to attend, registration is open – www.worldskillsireland.ie