This September, Ireland’s largest skills event – WorldSkills Ireland 2024 - will open its doors at the RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin, promoting trade industry skills and apprenticeship opportunities for young people as they navigate future options following secondary education.
Attracting 30,000 students from across Ireland, the event is returning from Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 September, and will be a celebration of apprenticeships, skills and careers to inspire young people from across the country.
Ahead of the event, 172 students and apprentices from across Ireland have been named as competition finalists who will compete on the national stage, 36 of whom will be competing in Information & Communication Technology (ICT) based competitions that include Logistics and Freight Forwarding, Digital Construction BIM, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Digital Infrastructure Design and Mechanical Engineering CAD.
A unique partnership between Government, Education and Industry, 2024 marks the fourth year of Ireland’s national skills event. Alongside ICT, the event will expose the incredible opportunities on offer through an apprenticeship or skills-based career across a multitude of industries including Construction, Creative Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, Automotive & Heavy Vehicle Technology and Manufacturing and Engineering Technology.
Ciaran Chaney, from Donegal is competing at the upcoming event and commenting on choosing a skills-based career, said:“While I chose to pursue a degree in ICT with a focus on Cyber Security, I also took advantage of a placement year at Allstate which offered a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience and apply what I was learning in real-world scenarios. Cyber Security is an ever-evolving area, and having the opportunity to learn both in the classroom and on the job has been incredibly rewarding.
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“There are so many great opportunities for those who take the initiative to enhance their university education with practical experience. It’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about building real-world skills that are in high demand. Training for WorldSkills Ireland in Cyber Security has pushed me to refine my skills even further, and competing against my peers will be an incredible experience. I’m excited to see how this competition will accelerate my development and open even more doors in the future."
Alongside the competitions, there will be demonstrations, try out areas, inspiring real-live talks from industry experts, an opportunity to meet employers who are ready to recruit and the chance to view innovative digital tech skills that are the backbone of jobs of the future.
Commenting on the announcement of the finalists for WorldSkills Ireland 2024, Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland 2024, remarked:"Congratulations to all the exceptional young individuals who have earned their place as finalists at WorldSkills Ireland in September. This achievement is a testament to their dedication and skill, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate their talents.
Ray adds: “WorldSkills Ireland 2024 is more than a competition; it's a celebration of skills and a vital platform for promoting apprenticeship and skills-based career opportunities. The event is designed to give students a chance to discover alternatives to university education, showcasing the multiplicity of skills training and apprenticeships on offer and profiling the long-lasting and fulfilling careers currently available across Ireland.
“We believe that by promoting skills and apprenticeship opportunities, we can develop innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of various industries. The collaboration between education, industry, and government at WorldSkills Ireland is not only unique, but it is crucial in creating a brighter future for our young people and strengthening Ireland's economy."
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Committed to promoting excellence in skills and driving economic growth through a skilled workforce, this year’s event is supported by industry leaders across the sector, including, Autodesk, ATC Logistics, King & Moffit, AWS in Communities, Cyber Explore and Symetri.
Joanne Reynolds, Community Engagement Manager at AWS comments: "WorldSkills Ireland 2024 is an event that aligns perfectly with our mission to empower communities through skills training and education. At AWS, we believe that equipping young people with the right skills is key to unlocking their full potential and driving innovation in the digital age.
“This event provides a unique platform for showcasing the talent and determination of those pursuing skills-based careers, demonstrating that these professions are vital to the future of our economy. By supporting initiatives like this, we are helping to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market."
Keith Young, Managing Director, ATC Logistics, adds: “ATC is proud to be a founding member of the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship programme, which was borne out of a need to address a skills shortage within the logistics industry, so we are thrilled to be a part of WorldSkills Ireland, an event that is shining a light on this very issue.”
“We believe that skills-based careers are essential for developing the next generation of professionals who will drive innovation and efficiency in our sector. WorldSkills Ireland provides a fantastic platform for showcasing the skills and dedication of young individuals pursuing careers in logistics and supply chain management. By supporting this event, we aim to inspire and encourage aspiring professionals to explore the diverse opportunities available in our industry. At ATC Logistics, we are proud to invest in the future of logistics through training and development, and we look forward to seeing the exceptional talent on display at WorldSkills Ireland."
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 set to take place at the RDS, Dublin on Friday 27 September and is a day not to be missed! Free to attend, registration for the event is now open – www.worldskillsireland.ie.
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