One Week to Go Until Worldskills Ireland 2023 Welcomes Over 28,000 Students

​“Skills and apprenticeship programmes are the life blood of many Irish businesses. To secure the evolution of Ireland’s economy and its place as a global leader, nurturing talent and encouraging the next generation to consider a skills-based career, is vitally important – which is what we’re hoping to achieve through Worldskills Ireland 2023.” 

These are the words of Ray English, Chairman of Worldskills Ireland, who was speaking ahead of the event next week, which is expected to welcome over 28,000 students from schools across the country. 

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​With registration rates doubling since last year, Worldskills Ireland 2023 is designed to showcase the wealth of apprenticeships and career opportunities for young people, during a time when a number of sectors are reporting significant skills shortages. 

A unique partnership between Government, Education and Industry, Worldskills Ireland 2023 is set to highlight opportunities in six main sectors including Construction, Creative Arts, Hospitality and Foodservice, ICT, Automobile and Manufacturing and Engineering, alongside the National Skills Competition Finals, which are also taking place at the event. 

Speaking ahead of his visit to the show next Thursday, Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, (DFHERIS) said: “Worldskills Ireland 2023 is such an inspiring and forward-thinking event for young people as they start building the foundations of their careers into the future. 

“This year is the Year of Skills, and we are encouraging everyone to consider learning a new skill over the next twelve months, while also encouraging and reinforcing the next generation of skilled young people to build a better future for them and for this country.”  

Running concurrently with Irish Times Higher Options, Worldskills Ireland 2023 is being supported by industry partners SISK, Construction Industry Federation, ESB Networks, Autodesk, Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus and education partners including DFHERIS, the Higher Education Authority (HEA), SOLAS and NAO. 

“A top priority for Worldskills Ireland is ensuring that our skills heritage continues well into the future, and we can only achieve this through the help of industry representatives who share this vision and truly value apprenticeships and skills,” Ray added. “By promoting excellence across numerous sectors, we can create a brighter future for our young people and in turn, our country. 

“We hear time and time again from Irish businesses that one of the main challenges is attracting highly trained staff who are ready to ‘hit the ground running.’ We hope that by highlighting the various top-class apprenticeship programmes that are available in Ireland currently and the endless opportunities that come along with them, more and more young people will consider taking on a skills-based career.” 

Worldskills Ireland 2023 is running from 20th – 22nd September at the RDS, Simmonscourt, Dublin and spaces are currently limited. Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st are now fully booked, with limited slots available, for individuals and groups, on Friday afternoon. For more information, or to register, visit: worldskillsireland.ie.