Putting talent to the test at Worldskills Ireland 2022

Pictured above are Aisling McDonagh and Aideen Hanna, Apprentices with Designer Group

Worldskills Ireland saw thousands of visitors descend on Dublin’s RDS, Simmonscourt, making it the biggest turnout for the skills, apprenticeships and careers event to date.

Taking place September 13-15, visitors to the show included eager students, parents, teachers and employers, who travelled to the event to take part in hands-on activities, listen to career advice, question industry peers and watch the country’s most talented apprentices and learners compete in national competitions.

With standing room only, the ‘Heroes Stage’ was a must visit with industry leaders taking part in discussions and panel sessions on their inspiring real-life stories from those across multiple sectors.

Dermot Carey, CIF Director was joined on stage by Pat Tierney, Regional Director at SISK and Gareth McGrane, HR Director at Chadwicks to discuss Building a Successful Career, whilst Paul Brown, CEO at SISK, Patrick Kavanagh from Designer Group and Jason Scales from Lincoln Electrical led an informative discussion on The Value of Apprentices to Businesses.

Celebrating excellence within the industry, over 180 competitors took part in 32 national skills finals, ranging from carpentry to beauty treatments and aircraft maintenance to food service.

Ray English, Worldskills Ireland Chair said: “Worldskills Ireland was a showcase of the best in class not only in the construction sector but across many different disciplines.

“While Ireland has a proud tradition of entry in Worldskills finals, it was great to see all the national competitions gathered under one roof.

“I want to congratulate all the participants and acknowledge the commitment and dedication of our students and the supporting staff who have made this possible.”

Over 15,000 visitors crowded Simmonscourt to watch the competitions and demonstrations, opening eyes to new third level options and career paths.

With the chance to meet career professionals and companies currently hiring apprentices, opportunities were endless with plenty of scope to ‘try a skill’ and seek inspiration about future career choices.

Throughout the three days visitors to the show could experience over 80 exhibitors including many leading names in the private industry, public educational bodies, government departments and semi-state organisations.

Supported by industry partners, SISK, Designer Group, Construction Industry Federation, ESB Networks and Autodesk, and Education Partners including, The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and

Science (DFHERIS), The Higher Education Authority (HEA), SOLAS and NAO, Worldskills Ireland 2022 was an event showcasing all the trades, skills and career opportunities to Irish students.

To keep updated on the plans for 2023, follow the show on twitter @WorldSkillsIE, search ‘Worldskills Ireland’ on Facebook or check the website www.worldskillsireland.ie

Worldskills winners:

The national competitions where a hotbed of talent, with the following walking away with the title of National Champion in their field:

• Dylan Baker from Tallaght, Dublin – Painting & Decorating, sponsored by Crown Paints
• Jordan Daly from Co. Cork – Electrical Installations, sponsored by Jones Engineering
• Jamie Bermingham – Plumbing & Heating, sponsored by Jones Engineering
• Callum McCormack from Co. Monaghan – Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, sponsored by RSL Ireland Ltd
• Jason O’Shea from Co. Kildare – Carpentry, sponsored by SISK
• Barry Gordon from Co. Sligo – Cabinet Making and Joinery, sponsored by SISK
• James Sheehan from Waterford – Plastering & Drywall Systems, sponsored by St Gobain
• Tristan Brock from Co. Galway – Bricklaying, sponsored by Xtratherm
• Cameron Murtagh from Co. Meath – Industrial Installation, sponsored by TIDL
• Adam Long from Waterford – BIM Digital Construction, sponsored by King and Moffatt