Manufacturing and engineering 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 30 of whom will be competing in Manufacturing and Engineering 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.
Manufacturing and Engineering competitions will include Polymechanics, Welding, Sheetmetal, Industrial Control, Industrial Mechanics and Metal Fabrication.
“I’m really looking forward to competing at Worldskills Ireland 2023,”Chris Bolger, a competitor in the Welding competition comments. “It will be a fantastic opportunity for me to hone my skills while working under pressure which is the perfect preparation for the world of work in the manufacturing and engineering sector. Having a chance to network with peers and industry experts, alongside learning more about the sector and the opportunities that are currently available will stand me in good stead going forward.”
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, added: “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.”
Commenting on the announcement of 2023’s National Finalists, Ray English, Worldskills Ireland Chair, stated: “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 be 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.”
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. Register to visit for free now at: www.worldskillsireland.ie.
