Needed now more than ever, WorldSkills Ireland 2022 returns in March 2022 to promote skills and apprenticeship careers and opportunities for young people as they navigate future options following secondary education.

Taking place from 22 – 24 March 2022, the expo will build upon the success of the inaugural event which took place in 2019 when over 12,000 visitors, including thousands of students and their parents, descended on the RDS Simmonscourt to see first-hand the wealth of career options available.

Announcing the return of the event in March 2022, Niall Collins TD, Minister of State for Skills and Further Education was joined by Megan Yates, a former freight forwarding and logistics competitor who represented Ireland at WorldSkills in Kazan in 2019, bringing home the gold medal.

Commenting on the return of the WorldSkills Ireland, Minister Collins adds: “WorldSkills Live is an excellent promotional event for apprenticeships and traineeships in Ireland, showing that they are attractive routes for young people to gain an internationally recognised qualification and to develop up to date and relevant skills.

“I’m also thrilled to say we have a track record of significant success at the competition, and for that, we should be very proud, but I think it is also important that Ireland’s achievements in practical skills are recognised at home. WorldSkills Ireland 2022 provides an opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of options available to learners in practical education and training.

“I hear consistent messages from employers in areas of skills demand and I see the demand for future skills required to support the economy. Many of these areas, such as cyber security, construction, transport and logistics, are encompassed in the WorldSkills Ireland 2022 competitions. With next year’s event in mind, I would also like to wish the Irish team every success as they continue their preparations. I know they will do us all proud”

WorldSkills Ireland 2022 raises the profile and recognition of skills and apprenticeships, preparing the talent of today for the careers of the future. Supported by industry partners, SISK, Designer Group, Construction Industry Federation, ESB Networks and Autodesk, the event is a partnership between enterprise, industry, education, training and government.

Ray English, WorldSkills Ireland-Chair/Technical Delegate adds: “The skills shortage is one of major challenges across all sectors today, especially as businesses look to rebuild following the pandemic. Simply put, we need more skilled people across multiple sectors. This has been recognised at all levels, which is reflected in this unique event’s collective support from education and training providers, industry and government.

“Skills drive the future and WorldSkills Ireland 2022 will be a true showcase of the ‘best in class’ across many different disciplines, offering young people a wealth of options as they move from secondary education and look to their future in the world of employment.”

Plans are underway for the 2022 event, and it’s been confirmed that the National Skills finals will be taking place at the event showcasing more than 25+ varied skills in a competitive setting. Some of the Irish winners will continue their skills journey, representing Ireland WorldSkills Shanghai in October 2022.

WorldSkills Ireland is set to inspire the next generation of skilled young people to follow their passions, interests and talents, and other features will include ‘Skills on Show’, Heroes Stage, ‘Try a Skill’ and Skills Career Live. For further information on WorldSkills Live, please see www.worldskillsireland.ie or follow WorldSkills Ireland on social media.

Pictured above: Niall Collins TD, Minister of State for Skills and Further Education with Megan Yates, WorldSkills gold medal winner 2019 (centre) with apprentices (left to right) Eddie Mongey, SISK joinery apprentice, Dean Lacey, Designer Group electrical apprentice; Ben Gannon, Jones Engineering plumbing apprentice and Van Phuoc Le, a culinary apprentice from Dundalk IT.