Worldskills Ireland 2023: Igniting a New Era of Skills Excellence and Inspiration
“Many sectors and industries across Ireland are experiencing skills shortages and challenges in recruiting and retaining staff. An apprenticeship is a fantastic career launchpad. It benefits both employers and apprentices alike. WorldSkills Ireland 2023 is so important as it enables students to meet with employers from diverse industry sectors, to find out additional information about apprenticeship programmes and to try skills that they have an interest in.” These are the words of Mary-Liz Trant, Director of the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO), which is a key sponsor at this year’s Worldskills Ireland 2023.
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 20th – 22nd September, Worldskills Ireland 2023 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 prestigious Ashford Castle has also been announced as a sponsor of the Restaurant Service competition.
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 Hospitality and Foodservice, to Construction and Infrastructure, Engineering and Technology, Health, 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 his experience as a competitor in last year’s Cookery competition, which took place during Worldskills Ireland, Jack Rice, from Limerick, comments: “Cookery has been a passion of mine for a number of years. After progressing through the Preliminary and Selection competitions, I knew that I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to compete in the National Finals at Worldskills Ireland.
“Competing against some of Ireland’s most talented young chefs – never mind winning the competition – was one of my proudest moments to date.”
Jack, who attends TUS Limerick, continued: “Worldskills Ireland 2023 is such a unique opportunity for students to explore sectors that they may be interested in, to try different skills and to speak to the experts who can give advice and guidance about taking on a role in their respective industries, enabling you to make tough choices with confidence and assurance.
The Hospitality and Foodservice sector has experienced numerous challenges over recent years including supply chain issues and recruitment, and according to Mark Anderson, Culinary Director of Gather&Gather and spokesperson for Chef Network, which is sponsoring this year’s Cookery competition, education and encouraging talent will help the industry to evolve.
Mark said: “Worldskills Ireland 2023 is a fantastic event which showcases the very best opportunities that the foodservice and hospitality sector has to offer – of which there are many. Events like this help to demonstrate that a career in hospitality and foodservice can take you anywhere around the world and can offer a real chance for career progression. It’s so important that we continue to support the industry moving forward and that begins by inspiring, empowering and educating the next generation.”
The event is supported by industry partners, SISK, 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. Additionally, Fáilte Ireland have been confirmed as the Hospitality and Tourism category sponsor alongside MSLETB, Ashford Castle, Chef Network and Craft Butchers Association, which are competition sponsors this year.
Alongside Hospitality and Foodservice, Worldskills Ireland 2023 will promote and showcase a wide range of skills areas, including Tourism and Hospitality, manufacturing, ICT, creative arts, engineering, transportation and logistics, and many more.
For further information on Worldskills Ireland 2023, please see: www.worldskillsireland.ie or follow Worldskills Ireland on social media. The Finals Day is set to take place at Worldskills Ireland on Friday of the show and is a day not to be missed! Register to visit for free now at www.worldskillsireland.ie.
