16 young Irish competitors selected to represent Team Ireland at the prestigious international competition
Charlie Ward, 22,from Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, is set to represent Ireland on the world stage this month after being selected to compete at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, often referred to as the ‘Skills Olympics’. Taking place from September 22nd to 27th, WorldSkills Shanghai will bring together more than 1,400 competitors from over 70 countries and regions across 64 different skill areas.
Charlie, who will compete in the Cookery category, is one of 16 young Irish competitors selected to represent Team Ireland at the prestigious international competition. It will bring together young people from across the world to experience the breadth of skills and career opportunities available through apprenticeships, further education and training. The event will feature 31 live national competition finals, alongside interactive Try-A-Skill areas, career and educator zones and inspirational talks.
Speaking on the benefits of the WorldSkills competition, Charlie said
“For one it is a huge personal honour for myself and my family. Additionally it will help create a name for myself in the industry which will allow me to progress rapidly in my career”.
Charlie’s love of cooking began at home before he gained professional experience from the age of 15, working in restaurants including Michelin-starred establishments and representing Ireland at competitions in Atlanta and Shanghai.
For Charlie and those competing in Shanghai, the journey began long before stepping onto the international stage, with competitors undertaking intensive preparation and honing their skills against some of the best young talent in Ireland.
Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland, said
“Skills and apprenticeships are fundamental to Ireland’s future. They power our economy, strengthen industry and open doors to rewarding careers. WorldSkills Ireland shows young people that practical and technical skills are not a second choice, they are a first-choice route to success”.
WorldSkills Ireland took place at the RDS last week giving visitors the opportunity to see Ireland’s future skilled workforce in action, discover different career pathways and get hands-on with a wide range of skills.
Michael Hourihan, WorldSkills Ireland Technical Delegate, said
“The event at the RDS showcases that the future can be very bright for those that choose the apprenticeship route to education and gainful employment”.
