Dermot Canavan, Examiner; Co Clare competitors Yeshuah O’Brien Bayer, Oisin Madigan, Eoin Dalton, James Downes and Examiners Thomas Downes and David Bourke
SIX STUDENTS and apprentices from Clare will compete at WorldSkills Ireland later this month.
Clare competitors include Yeshuah O’Brien Bayer from Killaloe, Corofin’s Oisin Madigan, Eoin Dalton of Lahinch, Shannon’s Gillian Higgins plus Ennis duo James Downes and Kayla Fox.
WorldSkills Ireland is one of the country’s leading events dedicated to promoting skills, apprenticeship careers, and workplace opportunities for young people.
Over 30,000 senior-level secondary students from over 300 schools across Ireland will attend the event to discover real alternatives to university and explore exciting, future-focused career paths. It takes place at the RDS, Simmonscourt from the 17th – 19th September 2025.
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.
Across the three days, Yeshua, Oisin, Eoin, James and Gillian will put their talents and knowledge to the test when they compete against their peers on the national stage during the live competitions taking place at the event.
More than 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.
Oisin is competing in metal fabrication, Eoin will be doing cabinet making, James will focus on welding, Gillian will look after hairdressing, Kayla will be in beauty therapy and Yeshuah will be cooking.
Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland, stated, “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. Supported by leading industry partners including SISK, Construction Industry Federation, and ESB Networks, education partner the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, and the Government of Ireland and Apprenticeship Ireland, the event 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.
