Donegal Students Gear Up for National Skills Showdown

Ten talented students and apprentices from Donegal are set to showcase their skills at the upcoming WorldSkills Ireland competition. This premier event, dedicated to highlighting the importance of skills, apprenticeship careers, and workplace opportunities for young people, will take place at the RDS, Simmonscourt from September 17 to 19, 2025.

Over three days, these finalists will compete against peers from across the nation in live contests covering various skills-based trades. More than 180 finalists will take part, representing fields such as automotive, construction, creative arts, hospitality, information and communication technology, and manufacturing and engineering. The event aims to provide students with valuable insights into career paths that do not necessarily require a university degree.

The Donegal competitors include:

– Oisin Alexander in Welding
– Aaron Callaghan in Industrial Mechanics
– Ciaran Chaney in Cyber Security
– Daniel Dalton in Freight Forwarding Logistics
– Cathal Doherty in Heavy Vehicle Mechanics
– Seoirse Ellison in Carpentry
– Kyle McLaughlin in Plumbing and Heating
– Matthew Shovlin in Automobile Technology
– Eoghan Tuttlebee in Carpentry
– Patrick Brennan in Metal Fabrication

As a well-established fixture in the school calendar, WorldSkills Ireland is expected to attract over 30,000 senior-level secondary students from more than 300 schools across the country. The event provides a platform for young people to explore exciting career options and to engage with industry professionals.

Attendance at the event is free, and registration is currently open at www.worldskillsireland.ie. This competition not only highlights individual talent but also serves to inspire the next generation of skilled workers in Ireland’s evolving job market.