More than 30,000 students came together at the RDS Simmonscourt for WorldSkills Ireland 2025, Ireland’s largest skills and apprenticeship showcase.
More than 30,000 students from over 300 schools across the country came together at the RDS Simmonscourt for WorldSkills Ireland 2025, Ireland’s largest skills and apprenticeship showcase. Over three days, young people got to experience first-hand the wide range of skills, trades, and career opportunities now on offer.
The event gave students the chance to meet employers, try out different skills, hear from apprentices already working in their industries, and see the latest technologies in action. From construction and engineering to digital, hospitality, horticulture and the creative arts, WorldSkills Ireland gave a real insight into the many different career paths available outside the traditional academic route.
Celebrating excellence within the industry, a highlight was the National Competition Finals, where 180 competitors took part in 35 different skills finals, spanning construction, engineering, ICT, automotive, hospitality, creative arts, logistics, and more.
Speaking about the event, Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland, said:
“It was fantastic to see so many young people from every corner of the country experiencing the huge variety of skills and apprenticeships now available. Over the three days, students had the chance to meet employers, hear directly about career opportunities, and see the level of talent on display in the competitions. The standard of skill across the board was extremely high and shows the real quality coming through our apprenticeship and training programmes. WorldSkills Ireland has become a real showcase for what’s possible – for students, parents, and teachers alike.”
Ray added: “It was great to see all the national competitions gathered under one roof, which will enhance Ireland’s ability to compete in WorldSkills International finals, I want to congratulate all the participants and acknowledge the commitment and dedication of our students, sponsors and the supporting staff who have made this possible.”
The National Restaurant Service and Cookery competitions, supported by Fáilte Ireland, and competition sponsors Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance (IFSA), Chef Network, BWG Food Service, MSLETB, Craft Butchers and Corcorans Food Equipment, where a hotbed of talent. Dublin native, Mya Adams, took the title of National Champion in Restaurant Service, a competition focused on the skills of fine dining, banqueting, casual dining, and bar/barista, with an emphasis on the importance of classic skills integrated with modern service skills.
In the Cookery category, competitors demonstrated their skill in performing multiple culinary tasks across a spectrum of disciplines with Caitlyn Valerie from Limerick, winning the title – National Cookery Skills Champion.
Craft Butchery, sponsored by Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) and Craft Butchers Association, saw Emily Callaghan, from Co. Louth named the National champion.
Over the three days, visitors met with 80 + exhibitors, including many leading names, with the chance to meet employers actively recruiting apprentices and career professionals. Students also heard from Industry Heroes and rising stars on the Heroes Stage, connected with Education and Training Boards, Technological Universities, Universities, and Apprenticeship Consortium Employers, and experienced cutting-edge learning through AI, Virtual Reality, and green technology in the Further Education and Training Village.
WorldSkills Ireland is a Government and all-industry initiative, working hand in hand to deliver the solution to Ireland’s skills shortage. Backed by leading industry partners including SISK, Construction Industry Federation and ESB Networks; sector sponsors including SIMI (Society of the Irish Motoring Industry) and Fáilte Ireland; and education partner, the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, the event is also supported by the Government of Ireland and the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO). The event continues to play a key role in raising awareness of skills-based careers and inspiring the next generation of Ireland’s workforce.
To see the full list of winners from WorldSkills Ireland 2025, visit: worldskillsireland.ie/worldskills-events/2025-competition-winners/
