SETU Apprentice Oisin Byrne Power came first place in the Bricklaying Competition at World Skills Ireland 2025 after three days of competing in the RDS Simmonscourt Dublin.
Oisin competed in the Bricklaying competition for 18 hours across three days, during which, Oisin had to demonstrate his ability to follow precise design plans and to execute them with high quality professional bricklaying skills.
2025 marked Oisin’s third year competing in WorldSkills. Talking about the experience, he shared, “After three years competing, it meant everything to finally get the win.”
Continuing, he said, “It is an incredibly challenging few days that involves a high level of concentration to ensure all details of the project are met but it also has an extremely rewarding outcome at the end.”
WorldSkills Ireland gives apprentices and students the chance to compete and learn how to become the best in their skill of choice. From the traditional trades to multi-skilled technology careers.
Proud supporters
Oisin was nominated to compete in WorldSkills by his Phase 2 Instructor, Pat Cunningham. Oisin said, “This was a proud moment for me to be asked.”
Oisin’s SETU lecturer, John Purcell, said, “What a fantastic achievement for Oisin to win the WorldSkills Ireland Bricklaying competition. His hard work and dedication paid off, and I have no doubt he will have a great future in the Bricklaying trade.”
The WorldSkills Ireland Bricklaying competition showcases the country’s best talent and skills every year. The competition is a very tough challenge for each finalist, that requires a good balance of speed, quality, and accuracy over 3 days. During competition every millimetre of accuracy counts. The project also has various decorative features of bricks that are very visually pleasing to all who attend the event
John Purcell SETU Lecturer
Love for the trade
After originally hoping to become an electrician, Oisin ultimately followed in the footsteps of his uncle when he accepted his bricklaying apprenticeship.
Describing what he enjoys about the trade, Oisin said, “It is hands-on work, and I like the satisfaction of when you finish a project or building. It is nice to stand back and admire what you have built.”
Hopes for the future
Currently completing Phase 6 of his apprenticeship at SETU’s campus in Waterford, Oisin hopes to one day travel abroad with his trade, saying, “I want to travel and use my trade to gain more experience, set up my own business and eventually I hope to pass my skills on in a teaching capacity.”