Some of the Kerry competitors in the upcoming WorldSkills Ireland competition. Back from left: John Stack, Darragh O’Sullivan, Paul O’Shea and Henry Pan. In front; Damaris Rosinel and Daniel Herlihy.TEN students and apprentices from Kerry will compete on the national stage when WorldSkills Ireland returns to RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin, from September 16th – 18th.
WorldSkills Ireland, the country’s leading showcase of skills, apprenticeships, Further Education and Training, and skills-based careers, will bring together Ireland’s next generation of talent for three action-packed days of live competitions, interactive experiences and opportunities to explore education, training and career pathways.
Competitions will cover sectors including construction, manufacturing and engineering, automotive, creative arts, hospitality and tourism and digital technology.
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Representing County Kerry at WorldSkills Ireland 2026 are:
• Stephen Vega O’Shea from Tralee, competing in Additive Manufacturing
• Dara Moynihan from Killarney, competing in Architectural Stonemasonry
• Darragh O’Sullivan from Gneeveguilla, competing in Architectural Stonemasonry
• Damaris Rosinel from Killarney, competing in Cooking
• Henry Pan from Tralee, competing in Cyber Security
• Daniel Herlihy from Rathmore, competing in Plumbing & Heating
• Paul O’Shea from Cahersiveen, competing in Plumbing & Heating
• John Hogan from Killarney, competing in Welding
• Filip Nowak from Killorglin, competing in Welding
• John Stack from Lixnaw, competing in Welding
More than 160 students and apprentices will compete across 31 live National Skills competitions. Working under competition conditions, they will demonstrate industry-standard skills in real time, showcasing the talent, knowledge and technical expertise required across Ireland’s workforce.
The live competitions are at the heart of WorldSkills Ireland, giving visitors the opportunity to see the skill, precision and commitment involved in apprenticeship and technical careers.
They also allow students, parents, teachers and guidance counsellors to see first-hand the standards expected by industry and the wide range of progression and career opportunities available through apprenticeships and Further Education and Training.
Alongside the competitions, WorldSkills Ireland 2026 will offer students, parents, teachers and guidance counsellors the opportunity to explore skills and apprenticeship, Further Education and Training, and skills-based pathways through interactive demonstrations, hands-on “Try a Skill” experiences, industry talks and direct engagement with employers, industry bodies and education and training providers.
The event aims to challenge outdated perceptions surrounding vocational and technical careers, while highlighting the vital role that skilled people play in supporting communities, strengthening industries and driving Ireland’s economy.
With more than 30,000 visitors expected and over 300 schools set to attend, WorldSkills Ireland 2026 will provide a unique platform for young people to meet employers and education providers, experience skills in action, and discover the education, training and career pathways available to them.
For further information and to register, visit www.worldskillsireland.ie or follow WorldSkills Ireland on social media.
