TEN Donegal students and apprentices will compete in this year’s WorldSkills Ireland competition, which is taking place in the RDS from September 17 to September 19.

The competition is Ireland’s leading event dedicated to promoting skills, apprenticeship careers and workplace opportunities for young people.

Now firmly established as a must-attend event in school calendars, it will welcome over 30,000 senior-level secondary students from over 300 schools across Ireland to discover real alternatives to university and explore exciting, future-focused career paths.

In 2024, 75 per cent of student attendees came to learn about practical, skills-based routes, a clear sign of the growing appetite for apprenticeships and technical careers.

Across the three days, Donegal competitors will put their talents and knowledge to the test when they compete against their peers on the national stage during the live competitions taking place at the event.

Over 180 finalists will go head-to-head in a range of skills-based trades including automotive, construction, creative arts, hospitality, ICT and manufacturing and engineering.

Those competing from County Donegal include Oisin Alexander, competing in Welding, Aaron Callaghan, competing in Industrial Mechanics, Ciaran Chaney, competing in Cyber Security, Daniel Dalton, competing in Freight Forwarding Logistics , Cathal Doherty, competing in Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, Seoirse Ellison, competing in Carpentry, Kyle McLaughlin, competing in Plumbing and Heating, Matthew Shovlin, competing in Automobile Technology, Eoghan Tuttlebee, competing in Carpentry and Patrick Brennan, competing in Metal Fabrication.

Commenting on the announcement of the finalists for WorldSkills Ireland, Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland, remarked: “WorldSkills Ireland is a celebration of talent and a vital platform for promoting apprenticeship and skills-based career opportunities.

“This year, students and apprentices from across the country will compete in 35 different skill areas, each working to exacting standards and under time pressure.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase their abilities and, for some, take the next step towards representing Ireland on the world stage.”

Mr English said this event opens doors for students to discover exciting alternatives to traditional academic routes, shining a light on the variety of training and apprenticeship options available.

“By championing skills and apprenticeships, we’re helping to develop the expertise and innovation needed for Ireland’s industries to thrive,” he said.

“The combined support of educators, industry leaders and government makes WorldSkills Ireland a unique and powerful driver for the future of our young people and our economy.”