Automotive students celebrate success at WorldSkills Ireland 2025
More than 30,000 students from over 300 schools across the country came together at the RDS Simmonscourt for WorldSkills Ireland 2025, Ireland’s largest skills and apprenticeship showcase.
Over three days, young people got to experience first-hand the wide range of skills, trades, and career opportunities now on offer.
The event gave students the chance to meet employers, try out different skills, hear from apprentices already working in their industries, and see the latest technologies in action.
From construction and engineering to digital, hospitality, horticulture and the creative arts, WorldSkills Ireland gave a real insight into the many different career paths available outside the traditional academic route.
Celebrating excellence within the industry, a highlight was the National Competition Finals, where 180 competitors took part in 35 different skills finals, including automotive.
(l-r) Brian Cooke, director general, SIMI; Kalem Redmond, Automobile Technology winner; Michael Dempsey, Construction Plant Fitting winner; Stephen Murnane, Heavy Vehicle Maintenance winner; and Sabrina Forsyth, careers and data manager, SIMI.
The Automobile & Heavy Vehicle Technology competitions, supported by SIMI, and competition sponsors Volkswagen Group Ireland and Bus Éireann/ Dublin Bus, were a hotbed of talent.
Co. Cork native, Stephen Murnane took the title of Heavy Vehicle Maintenance winner, Kalem Redmond from Co. Galway was the Automobile Technology winner, while Michael Dempsey from Co. Kildare took the title of Construction Plant Fitting.
With skills shortages a growing challenge across the sector, those who took part in the Automobile & Heavy Vehicle Technology competitions represent the pipeline of highly trained apprentices and students who will soon be on the front line of automotive and innovation.
Ray English, chair of WorldSkills Ireland, said: “It was fantastic to see so many young people from every corner of the country experiencing the huge variety of skills and apprenticeships now available.
“Over the three days, students had the chance to meet employers, hear directly about career opportunities, and see the level of talent on display in the competitions.
“The standard of skill across the board was extremely high and shows the real quality coming through our apprenticeship and training programmes. WorldSkills Ireland has become a real showcase for what’s possible – for students, parents, and teachers alike.”
English added: “It was great to see all the national competitions gathered under one roof, which will enhance Ireland’s ability to compete in WorldSkills International finals, I want to congratulate all the participants and acknowledge the commitment and dedication of our students, sponsors and the supporting staff who have made this possible.”
