Ten Mayo students and apprentices to compete at WorldSkills Ireland 2025

WorldSkills Ireland is Ireland’s leading event dedicated to promoting skills, apprenticeship careers and workplace opportunities for young people, and it is returning to the RDS, Simmonscourt, from September 17 to 19.

Across the three days, 10 students and apprentices from Mayo will put their talents and knowledge to the test when they compete against their peers on the national stage during the live competitions.

Those competing from Mayo include Callum Boon, industrial control; Phelim Conway, polymechanics and automation; Ben Loftus, plastering and drywall systems; Evan Neumann, construction plant fitting; Joan Ní Loideáin, cabinet making; Jack Finnerty, bricklaying; Gavin Hopkins, carpentry; Brodie Mordecai, cooking; Robert Murray, cooking; and Samuel Naylor, automobile technology.

WorldSkills is firmly established as a must-attend event in school calendars, and will welcome over 30,000 senior level secondary students from over 300 schools across Ireland to discover real alternatives to university and explore exciting, future-focused career paths.

In 2024, 75% of student attendees came to learn about practical, skills-based routes, a clear sign of the growing appetite for apprenticeships and technical careers.

Over 180 finalists will go head-to-head in a range of skills-based trades including automotive, construction, creative arts, hospitality, ICT and manufacturing and engineering.

Commenting on the announcement of the finalists for WorldSkills Ireland, Ray English, chair of WorldSkills Ireland, said: "WorldSkills Ireland is a celebration of talent and a vital platform for promoting apprenticeship and skills-based career opportunities. This year, students and apprentices from across the country will compete in 35 different skill areas, each working to exacting standards and under time pressure. It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase their abilities and, for some, take the next step towards representing Ireland on the world stage.”

He added: “This event opens doors for students to discover exciting alternatives to traditional academic routes, shining a light on the variety of training and apprenticeship options available, and the rewarding careers they can lead to. By championing skills and apprenticeships, we’re helping to develop the expertise and innovation needed for Ireland’s industries to thrive.

"The combined support of educators, industry leaders and government, makes WorldSkills Ireland a unique and powerful driver for the future of our young people and our economy."

Running alongside the Irish Times Higher Options, WorldSkills Ireland offers unmatched value for schools, with students gaining exposure to both academic and vocational pathways in one visit.

It will also feature interactive ‘Try a Skill’ zones, immersive VR experiences, industry talks, live demonstrations across trades and technical professions, and companies ready to recruit.

Designed to promote skills, apprenticeship careers and opportunities for young people, the event allows students, parents, teachers, and guidance counsellors to navigate the options available following secondary education.

The finals day is taking place at the RDS on September 19.

The event is free to attend, and registration is available by visiting here.