Creative arts finalists announced for Worldskills Ireland 2023

A total of 160 students and apprentices from across Ireland have been named as competition finalists ahead of Worldskills Ireland 2023.

They will compete on the national stage during the event in September, with over 10 of them set to take part in creative arts-based contests.

World Skills Ireland 2023 is taking place in Dublin's RDS on 20-22 September. Across the three days, the event will bring young people together through interactive events and demonstrations, and will give them the opportunity to meet face-to-face with employers who are ready to recruit.

World Skills has been designed to raise the profile of skills and apprenticeships, preparing the talent of today for the careers of tomorrow. This year, the creative arts categories include hairdressing and beauty therapy. Among the finalists in the beauty therapy competition is Ava Gorman from Ratoath, Co Meath.

“I am thrilled and very excited to be competing at Worldskills Ireland 2023,” she said. “Going head-to-head against some of the very best students and apprentices in Ireland is a daunting prospect, but I have no doubt that the experience will teach me many valuable lessons, including developing my confidence and honing my knowledge in a pressurised environment.

“In addition to competing, I will be able to make connections for life, which will be very beneficial as I start out on my career journey.”

Congratulating the finalists, Worldskills Ireland chair Ray English noted that the event is the gateway to Worldskills Lyon 2024, the 47th international competition that is taking place in France next year.

“We know that we have some incredibly talented young people in Ireland who will make us proud both during the national and international competitions,” he said. “We believe that by promoting apprenticeships and skills-based careers, we can create a brighter future for our young people, whilst simultaneously progressing and evolving Ireland’s wider business economy.

“We are dedicated to empowering and inspiring the next generation of skills professionals in Ireland and we’re excited to work alongside our partners to continue to elevate the perception of skills and apprenticeships throughout various sectors and industries.”