Six Clare students and apprentices set to compete at WorldSkills Ireland 2024
The six Clare competitors will compete in hairdressing, carpentry, cabinet-making and metal fabrication
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 25-27.
Set to welcome over 27,000 people including students, parents and teachers, the event will be a celebration of apprenticeships, skills and careers with interactive demonstrations, career zones and employers who are ready to recruit.
Across the three days six students and apprentices from the Banner County 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 170 finalists will go head-to-head in a range of skills-based trades including automation, constructions skills, ICT and culinary arts.
Competitors Eoin Dalton, Colin Hehir, Oisín Madigan and Patrick Flanagan
Grainne and Erin are currently completing their apprenticeships at Bridget Haren Hair & Beauty in Ennis, the same salon as Laoibhse O'Malley, who took home the top prize last year as Apprentice of the Year in Hairdressing.
"I'm so proud of the two ladies and all the hard work they have put into their training ,dedication and commitment to the apprenticeship program and competition work," salon owner Bridget Haren said.
"The two ladies are excited to compete in the finals of the Ireland World Skills and hope to accomplish the title as last year's winner from our salon Laoibhse O'Malley.
"The team wish them both success in Dublin."
Running concurrently with Higher Options, both events aim to raise the profile and recognition of skills and apprenticeships, preparing the talent of today for the careers of the future. Supported by industry partners, SISK, Autodesk, ESB Networks, Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus, and the Construction Industry Federation, the event is a partnership between enterprise, industry, education, training, and government.
Commenting on the announcement of the finalists for WorldSkills Ireland, Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland, remarked that “WorldSkills Ireland is more than a competition; it's a celebration of skills and a vital platform for promoting apprenticeship and skills-based career opportunities."
"The event is designed to give students a chance to discover alternatives to university education, showcasing the multiplicity of skills training and apprenticeships on offer and profiling the long-lasting and fulfilling careers currently available across Ireland."
Alongside the competitions, there will be demonstrations, try out areas, inspiring 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 that are the backbone of jobs of the future.
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 27th 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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