North Galway students prepare for Worldskills Ireland Competition
STUDENTS from Tuam, Dunmore and Glenamaddy are set to compete on the national stage when they take part in WorldSkills Ireland.
Held in the RDS Simminscourt, WorldSkills Ireland is the country's leading showcase of skills, apprenticeships, further education and training, and skills-based careers. It takes places this year for three days from September 16-18.
The event brings together Ireland's next generation of talent for live competitions, interactive experiences and opportunities to explore education, training and career pathways.
More than 160 students and apprentices will compete across 31 live National Skills competitions, with 15 coming from Galway.
Ian Spellman from Tuam will compete in Architectural Stonemasonry, Dunmore’s Jake Slattery in Carpentry, while Glenamaddy woman Orlaith Keaveney will be competing in the Digital Infrastructure Design category.
“Skills and apprenticeships are fundamental to Ireland’s future. They support our economy, strengthen industries and create real opportunities for people across the country,” stated Ray English, WorldSkills Ireland Chair.
“WorldSkills Ireland brings that message to life by showing young people the value of practical learning and the rewarding careers it can lead to.”
Apprenticeship opportunities
The live competitions are at the heart of WorldSkills Ireland, giving visitors the opportunity to see the skill, precision and commitment involved in apprenticeship and technical careers.
They also allow students, parents, teachers and guidance counsellors to see first-hand the standards expected by industry and the wide range of progression and career opportunities available through apprenticeships and further education and training.
“The event also has an important role to play in changing perceptions. Apprenticeships and technical careers are not alternative or lesser routes; they are ambitious pathways that require real ability and can lead to long-term success,” added Ray.
“By seeing competitors perform at a national level, students can better understand the standard involved and the opportunities open to them.”
More than 30,000 visitors and over 300 schools are expected to attend the event across the three days of competition.
Competitions will cover sectors including construction, manufacturing and engineering, automotive, creative arts, hairdressing, hospitality and tourism and digital technology.