WORLDSKILLS IRELAND 2023

It’s hoped that the three day event in September will ignite a new era of skills excellence and inspiration

This September, Ireland’s largest skills, apprenticeships and careers event – Worldskills Ireland 2023 – will open its doors at the RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin, promoting trade industry skills and apprenticeship opportunities for young people as they navigate future options following secondary education.

Taking place from 20-22 September, the event is set to welcome over 22,000 people, including students, parents and teachers, and will be a live celebration of apprenticeships, skills and careers, with national competitions, interactive demonstrations, career zones and employers who are ready to recruit. The three-day show is set to inspire the next generation of skilled young people to follow their passions, interests and talents for the securement of their own future and of Ireland’s. From construction and infrastructure to engineering and technology, health, hospitality and lifestyle and all things digital, business and creative, Worldskills Ireland 2023 gives students the chance to discover the key skills and sectors that drive the Irish economy.

Speaking about their experience, a previous 2022 competitor said: “Worldskills Ireland is such a prestigious event in terms of promoting skills and apprenticeships – I had so much to gain from taking part in the competition, so I knew I just had to do it.

“Competing against some of the best in Ireland was extremely daunting but it really isn’t about the competition, it’s about learning the skills to better yourself in your career and having the confidence to make decisions about the future as a young, aspiring professional. 

“As well as competing I had a chance to attend the show, and it was great. You’ll get the chance to learn about different skills, sectors and career paths that you might be interested in, which will help you to decide where your passion lies.” 

The construction sector has experienced numerous challenges over recent years including supply chain issues and recruitment and according to Barry Rafferty, Managing Director of Unilin Insulation, which is sponsoring this year’s Construction Bricklaying competition, education and encouraging talent will help the industry to evolve. 

“One of the most enjoyable (and rewarding) aspects of Unilin Insulation’s business is the partnerships we have forged to help the education of our future construction professionals. We understand that not all learning can take place in a classroom and so as part of our efforts to recognise, promote and encourage talent, we’re delighted to sponsor the Construction Bricklaying competition at Worldskills 2023. 

“Worldskills Ireland 2023 gives a unique opportunity to promote the importance of skills and apprenticeships which can be the lifeblood of our industry, especially in recent years as the sector has come up against recruitment challenges. 

“We hope that students, parents and teachers will be excited and inspired about careers in construction after visiting Worldskills Ireland 2023 – it truly is a dynamic and energetic industry and there has never been a better time for Ireland’s young people to consider joining it,” said Barry.   

The event is supported by industry partners, SISK, which is a main sponsor, construction category sponsor and competition sponsor (joinery and carpentry), Construction Industry Federation, ESB Networks, Autodesk, Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus and education partners including the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), The Higher Education Authority (HEA), SOLAS and NAO.

For more information, go to www.worldskillsireland.ie or follow Worldskills Ireland on social media 

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Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine

Email: michael@irishconstruction.com      WWW.MCDMEDIA.IE