The Kerry College learners made an impressive mark at the Worldskills Ireland 2023 competition, showcasing their excellence across various skills competitions and career-focused initiatives. The event, regarded as the “Olympics of Skills,” took place from September 20th to 22nd at Dublin’s RDS Simmonscourt, attracting a record-breaking 30,000 visitors over three days.
Kerry Education and Training Board had a notable presence at Worldskills – with their Kerry College learners leading 3 skills competitions in Beauty Therapy, Architectural Stonemasonry and Industrial Mechanics holding an examiner post in the Commis Chef competition, and exhibiting at the THIS IS FET career village and Green Skills stand with their Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship.
Visitors had the opportunity to explore the careers zone, participate in competitions, try their hand at various skills in interactive areas, and witness a wide range of demonstrations and exhibits. They also had the opportunity to attend inspiring talks on the ‘Heroes Stage,’ which featured Kerry ETB apprentice Mairéad Faherty who is working as a Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician with global company Siemens Gamesa.
Kerry College’s Broadcast Production Skills course led by Brian Nolan operated a live TV Studio during the event, directed by former RTE Director Theo O’Grady and featuring daily live broadcasts presented by Kerry College graduate, Radio Kerry’s Brendan Fuller.
World Skills Ireland is a partnership between enterprise, industry, education, training, and government, aimed at raising the profile and recognition of skills and apprenticeships while preparing today’s talent for the careers of the future. The event served as a unique opportunity for teachers, guidance counsellors, parents, and students to explore the diverse skill-based career options available in Ireland.
Silver Medal Winners
Kerry ETB/Kerry College came home with two prestigious Silver Medals:
Kieran Finnerty – Office of Public Works Apprentice, Stonecutting & Stonemasonry Apprenticeship
Silver Medal in Architectural Stonemasonry
Ciara O’Sullivan – Learner, Beauty Therapy
Silver Medal in Beauty Therapy
Runner-Up Achievements
In addition to the Silver Medal winners, Kerry ETB and Kerry College celebrated the accomplishments of other talented individuals:
Padraig O’Doherty – MAMF Apprentice at Torc Precision Engineering Limited, Killarney
Runner-Up in Industrial Mechanics
Alison O’Sullivan – Commis Chef Apprentice at The Killarney Park Hotel
Runner-Up in Cookery
Special Mention
A special mention goes to Plumbing Competition Winner Frank Moffit, who completed his Phase 2 Plumbing training at Monavalley under the tutelage of John O’Connor. John’s guidance and expertise were instrumental in Frank’s success, reflecting the dedication of Kerry ETB and Kerry College instructors.
