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Hair and beauty finalists from across Ireland will put their skills to the test when WorldSkills Ireland 2026 takes place at the RDS in Dublin on 16-18 September
In total, more than 160 students and apprentices will compete across 31 live competitions, including finalists in the Hairdressing Competition, sponsored by Capital Hair & Beauty, and the Beauty Therapy Competition.
Among the Hairdressing finalists are Leagh Cody, Simon Smith, Jack Rooney and Chelsea Gallagher Daly, while Saidhbhin Power is in the Beauty Therapy finalists line-up.
They will complete industry-standard tasks designed to test their practical skills, knowledge and technical expertise, reflecting the standards required across Ireland’s workforce.
More than 30,000 visitors and over 300 schools are expected to attend WorldSkills Ireland 2026, which will bring together students, parents, teachers and guidance counsellors for three days of live competitions, hands-on experiences and opportunities to explore education, training and career pathways.
Alongside the competitions, visitors can take part in interactive Try a Skill experiences, see industry demonstrations, hear from employers and industry figures, and explore apprenticeships, further education and training, and other skills-based career routes.
As a partnership between the Government, education and industry, WorldSkills Ireland aims to play an important role in showcasing the breadth of opportunities available through apprenticeships and skills-based careers.
The event aims to give young people a clearer picture of the options available after secondary school, while challenging outdated perceptions around apprenticeships and technical careers and highlighting the vital role skilled people play in Ireland’s economy.
“Skills and apprenticeships are fundamental to Ireland’s future,” said Ray English, chair of WorldSkills Ireland. “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 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 standards involved and the opportunities open to them.”
