Hospitality and Tourism Finalists Announced Ahead of Worldskills Ireland 2023
AHEAD of Worldskills Ireland 2023, 160 students and apprentices from across Ireland have been named as competition finalists who will compete on the national stage during the three-day event in September, over 20 of whom will be competing in Hospitality and Tourism based competitions.
Taking place at the RDS, Dublin from 20th – 22nd September, Worldskills Ireland 2023 is designed to promote skills, apprenticeship careers and opportunities for young people, and is set to welcome over 22,000 people including students, parents and teachers.
A unique partnership between Government, Education and Industry, 2023 marks the third year of Ireland’s premier national skills event. Showcasing an array of industries including Construction, Creative Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, ICT, Automotive, and Manufacturing and Engineering, the finalists will go head-to-head in their respective categories for a chance to win the prestigious Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) Silver Medal alongside an opportunity to represent Ireland at Worldskills Lyon, France next year.
Hospitality and Tourism categories will include Restaurant Service, Cookery and Craft Butchery.
“Having a career in the Hotel and Tourism sector has been a goal of mine for a number of years,” explained Kate Ryan, a competitor in the Restaurant Service competition. “I’m hopeful that competing at Worldskills Ireland 2023 will provide the perfect launch for my career and will enable my expertise to flourish.
“Not only will I have the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and skills by working in a pressurised environment, I will also be able to make contacts for life and learn more about what a career in the industry has to offer, which is invaluable as I start out on my journey.”
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 National Apprenticeship Office (NAO), Worldskills Ireland 2023 is designed to give students a chance to discover the key skills and sectors that drive the Irish economy.
Michael Fitzgerald, Technical Training and Development Manager at ESB Networks said: “We are proud to be a sponsor of Worldskills Ireland, an exceptional three-day event that showcases the boundless career routes and opportunities available in the skills trades and technologies.
“At ESB Networks, we recognise the significance of nurturing talent and empowering the next generation of skills professionals, which is why events such as Worldskills Ireland are so important – they provide an invaluable arena for young people to explore, excel and unlock their true potential in a variety of fields.”
Sharon Balmaine, Head of Tourism Careers at Fáilte Ireland adds: “Tourism is a dynamic and exciting industry offering endless opportunities for young people to build a successful and rewarding career. From front-line roles to behind-the-scenes operations, the breadth and diversity of roles within the sector are vast, and the skills gained are transferable across many industries. With an ever-growing demand for tourism experiences, there has never been a better time for young people to consider a career in this vibrant industry.
“That’s why a show like Worldskills Ireland is so important, it provides a huge opportunity for students to interact and meet with those working within the tourism sector, and learn about the many great career paths within this exciting industry. We look forward to welcoming students, teachers and parents to our stand across the three-days.”
Commenting on the announcement of 2023’s National Finalists, Ray English, Worldskills Ireland Chair stated: “Congratulations to all the young people from across the country that are set to compete at the National Finals during Worldskills Ireland in September.
“We believe that by promoting apprenticeships and skills-based careers, we can create a brighter future for our young people whilst simultaneously progressing and evolving Ireland’s wider business economy.
“We are dedicated to empowering and inspiring the next generation of skills professionals in Ireland and we’re excited to work alongside our partners to continue to elevate the perception of skills and apprenticeships throughout various sectors and industries.”
Ray further adds: “This year it has been announced that Higher Options, the annual education expo for second level students run by The Irish Times in partnership with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, is joining forces with Worldskills Ireland 2023 to create a mega careers event for young people.
“By combining efforts and running the events concurrently, school leavers will gain from seeing Ireland’s most comprehensive showcase of career paths that are currently available. From skills and apprenticeships at Worldskills Ireland, to representation from universities, colleges, and further education providers at Higher Options, for young people this mega career week in September 2023 will prove to be an invaluable resource.”
For further information on Worldskills Ireland 2023, visit www.worldskillsireland.ie. The Finals Day is set to take place at Worldskills Ireland 2023 on Friday 22nd September and is a day not to be missed. Register to visit for free now at: www.worldskillsireland.ie.
