Four students and apprentices from Wicklow will compete on the national stage when WorldSkills Ireland returns to the RDS Simmonscourt in Dublin later this month.
More than 160 competitors will take part across 31 National Skills competitions from September 16 to 18, demonstrating skills across areas including construction, engineering, automotive, hospitality and digital technology.
Representing Wicklow will be Ryan Cleary from Dunlavin, who will compete in Architectural Stonemasonry; Mateusz Kogutek from Arklow in Automobile Technology; Conor McGillycuddy from Roundwood in Carpentry; and Donal Byrne from Bray in Cooking.
WorldSkills Ireland showcases apprenticeships, Further Education and Training and skills-based careers, with competitors carrying out practical tasks under competition conditions.
WorldSkills Ireland chair Ray English said skills and apprenticeships were “fundamental to Ireland’s future”, supporting the economy and creating career opportunities across a range of industries.
“WorldSkills Ireland brings that message to life by showing young people the value of practical learning and the rewarding careers it can lead to,” he said.
He added that apprenticeships and technical careers should not be viewed as “alternative or lesser routes”, but as ambitious pathways requiring significant ability.
Alongside the competitions, visitors will be able to take part in interactive demonstrations and “Try a Skill” experiences and meet employers, education providers and industry bodies.
WorldSkills Ireland will once again run alongside The Irish Times Higher Options, allowing students attending the RDS to explore university, apprenticeship, Further Education and Training and other career pathways in one visit.
More than 30,000 visitors are expected over the three days, with over 300 schools set to attend.