THIS September, Ireland’s largest skills event – WorldSkills Ireland 2024 – 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.
Attracting 30,000 students from across Ireland, the event is returning from Wednesday 25th to Friday 27th September, and will be a celebration of apprenticeships, skills and careers to inspire young people from across the country.
Ahead of the event, 172 students and apprentices from across Ireland have been named as competition finalists who will compete on the national stage, 53 of whom will be competing in Construction based competitions that include Architectural Stonemasonry, Bricklaying, Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Digital Construction BIM, Electrical Installations, Joinery, Painting & Decorating, Plastering and Drywall System and Plumbing & Heating.
A unique partnership between Government, Education and Industry, 2024 marks the fourth year of Ireland’s national skills event. Alongside Construction, the event will expose the incredible opportunities on offer through an apprenticeship or skills-based career across a multitude of industries including Creative Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, ICT, Automotive & Heavy Vehicle Technology and Manufacturing and Engineering Technology.
John Grady, aged 22, is competing at the upcoming event and commenting on choosing a skills-based career, says: “Choosing a career in construction, particularly carpentry, has been an incredible journey for me. Studying with ATU Sligo and pursuing an apprenticeship has allowed me to build my skills from the ground up, literally. Instead of sitting in a classroom all day, I’m out there creating something tangible, learning the craft from experienced professionals, and seeing the immediate results of my work. The hands-on experience has been invaluable and has given me a real sense of pride and accomplishment.
“There are so many great opportunities for those who choose to start their careers through an apprenticeship program. You’re on a salary from the beginning and develop practical skills that are highly sought after in the industry. Competing on the national stage at WorldSkills Ireland in September in carpentry is a huge honour, and I’m excited to show how rewarding a skills-based career can be.”
Committed to promoting excellence in skills and driving economic growth through a skilled workforce, this year’s event is supported by industry leaders across the construction sector, including Autodesk, Construction Institution Federation (CIF), ESB Networks and SISK, and competition sponsors, OPW, Unilin, Jones Engineering, Crown Paints, Saint Gobain and King & Moffit.
Commenting on the upcoming event, Hubert Fitzpatrick, Director General, Construction Industry Federation comments: “The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is proud to be the main sponsor of WorldSkills Ireland 2024. This event is a powerful platform for highlighting the vast opportunities available through apprenticeships and skills-based careers in the construction industry. As our sector continues to innovate and grow, the demand for skilled professionals has never been greater.
“The three-day event brings together students, educators, and industry leaders, providing an invaluable opportunity for young people to explore the diverse career paths within construction. By engaging directly with experts and experiencing hands-on demonstrations, students can gain a real sense of the exciting and rewarding careers that await them.
“We are proud to be returning as a supporter of this event and look forward to meeting the next generation of talent. It’s an inspiring event that helps shape the future of our industry and empowers young people to build successful careers in construction.”
Paul Brown, CEO, SISK, comments: “As an industry, it’s essential that we address the current challenges we’re facing, such as skills shortages, climate change, and supply chain disruptions. A key part of overcoming these challenges is investing in the next generation and encouraging them to pursue careers in the construction sector, which offers tremendous opportunities for growth and progression.
“At SISK, we’re proud to sponsor WorldSkills Ireland 2024 and the construction competitions, as these events are critical in showcasing the incredible talent emerging in our industry. Our Carpentry and Joinery apprenticeship program plays a vital role in training skilled young professionals to the highest standards. We recognise that these skilled tradespeople are the future leaders of our industry, and we are committed to upholding this proud legacy and our commitment to excellence. Many of our apprentices have gone on to participate and excel in WorldSkills Ireland competitions, and we believe that inspiring and empowering the next generation is key to ensuring the continued growth and success of Ireland’s construction industry.”
Amanda Fennell, Director of EMEA Marketing, Autodesk Construction, adds: “WorldSkills Ireland 2024 plays a vital role in connecting young people with the diverse opportunities available through apprenticeships and skills-based careers. At Autodesk, we are committed to supporting the next generation of talent by providing the tools and platforms that help them excel in a career within the construction industry.
“Apprenticeships are a powerful way to gain hands-on experience, learn from industry professionals, and develop the practical skills that are so essential in today’s job market. Events like WorldSkills Ireland allow students, parents, and educators to see firsthand the exciting pathways that skills-based careers can offer.
“We are proud to be the main sponsor of WorldSkills Ireland and look forward to engaging with the bright minds who will be shaping the future of construction and beyond. It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase how technology and innovation are transforming industries and to inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.”
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.
