Kildare apprentices take part in national skills competition

NINE students and apprentices from County Kildare will compete on the national stage when WorldSkills Ireland returns to RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin, from 16 – 18 September.

WorldSkills Ireland, a national showcase of skills, apprenticeships, Further Education and Training, and skills-based careers, will bring together Ireland's next generation of talent for three action-packed days of live competitions, interactive experiences and opportunities to explore education, training and career pathways.

Representing Kilare are Adam Farrell from Kildare Town, competing in Construction Plant Fitting; Sam Sheehan from Athgarvan (Freight Forwarding); Leigh Ann Keogh from Ballymore Eustace (Freight Forwarding); Conor Delaney from Carbury, (Visual Merchandising & Display); Conall Pakenham from Kill, (Electrical Installation); Oliver Finneran from Ardclough (Craft Butchery); Dillon Slattery Lopez from Leixlip (Additive Manufacturing) and Saikumar Kothapally from Celbridge (Craft Butchery) and Méabh Gannon from Celbridge (Industrial Control).

More than 160 students and apprentices will compete across 31 national skills competitions. Working under competition conditions, they will demonstrate industry-standard skills in real time, showcasing the talent, knowledge and technical expertise required across Ireland’s workforce.

The live competitions are at the heart of WorldSkills Ireland, giving visitors the opportunity to see the skill, precision and commitment involved in apprenticeship and technical careers.

They also allow students, parents, teachers and guidance counsellors to see first-hand the standards expected by industry and the wide range of progression and career opportunities available through apprenticeships and Further Education and Training.

Commenting ahead of the event, Ray English, WorldSkills Ireland Chair, said:

“Skills and apprenticeships are fundamental to Ireland’s future. They support our economy, strengthen industries and create real opportunities for people across the country. WorldSkills Ireland brings that message to life by showing young people the value of practical learning and the rewarding careers it can lead to.

“The event also has an important role to play in changing perceptions. Apprenticeships and technical careers are not alternative or lesser routes; they are ambitious pathways that require real ability and can lead to long-term success. By seeing competitors perform at a national level, students can better understand the standard involved and the opportunities open to them.” Alongside the competitions, WorldSkills Ireland 2026 will offer students, parents, teachers and guidance counsellors the opportunity to explore skills and apprenticeship, Further Education and Training, and skills-based pathways through interactive demonstrations, hands-on “Try a Skill” experiences, industry talks and direct engagement with employers, industry bodies and education and training providers.

WorldSkills Ireland will once again run alongside The Irish Times Higher Options. Together, the events will allow visiting students to explore the full range of options available after school, including university, apprenticeships, Further Education and Training, tertiary programmes and skills-based careers, during a single visit to the RDS.

30,000 visitors and over 300 schools are expected to attend.

WorldSkills Ireland 2026 takes place from Wednesday 16 September to Friday 18 September at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin.

For further information and to register, visit www.worldskillsireland.ie or follow WorldSkills Ireland on social media.