SETU celebrates a standout performance at WorldSkills Ireland 2025, held at RDS Simmonscourt from 17 to 19 September.
SETU participants were among 180 finalists who engaged in many of the 35 live competitions featured at WorldSkills Ireland 2025, under construction, automobile and heavy vehicle, ICT, and other categories. The event brought together apprentices and learners from across the country to showcase practical and technical skills in real-world, high-pressure environments.
Students and apprentices representing SETU competed in a range of trades and skillsets including carpentry, joinery, plumbing and heating, cabinetmaking (CAB), automobile technology, bricklaying, digital construction, and CAD. With wins across mechanical CAD, plumbing and heating, and bricklaying categories, the competition highlighted the high calibre of SETU’s education and training programmes across apprenticeships and bachelor’s courses.
SETU WorldSkills Ireland 2025 winners:
- Ivan Kotov, Mechanical CAD
- Adam Harbour, Plumbing and Heating
- Oisin Byrne Power, Bricklaying
“We are immensely proud of our students and apprentices who demonstrated skill, determination, and adaptability across multiple disciplines. Their performance at WorldSkills Ireland 2025 is a testament to their outstanding talent and determination, and the commitment of our trainers and lecturers who are a continuous support. It’s inspiring to see our region represented so strongly on a national stage.”
Dr Frances Hardiman, Head (Carlow) of Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment at SETU.
David Morrissey, Head of Department Apprenticeships and Skills at SETU, added,“Participation in WorldSkills not only provides an opportunity for our apprentices to test themselves and showcase their skill, but also to grow their experience and confidence. The opportunity to work alongside other talent in their field, and with experts across disciplines is invaluable. It’s heartening as we continue to ensure our apprentices are fully prepared for the evolving demands of their trades.”
“I’d like to extend our sincere thanks to all our lecturers and support staff who volunteered their time during the WorldSkills Ireland 2025. SETU’s presence at the event is a team effort and we couldn’t do it without the dedication of the wider SETU community,”
David Morrissey, Head of Apprenticeships at SETU.
Visitors to the WorldSkills Ireland competition stands included Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science (DFHERIS), James Lawless TD, who met with competitors and SETU staff. The Minister got involved at the bricklaying stand where he laid a personalised brick with SETU lecturer, John Purcell.
A team effort
SETU was delighted to be represented in the WorldSkills Ireland judging panel by Hugh Breslin (Additive Manufacturing); Gordon Chisholm (Digital Construction and BIM); Andrew Keppel (Mechanical CAD); John Purcell (Bricklaying); Paul Quinn (Additive Manufacturing); Frank Trench (Joinery); Jim Walsh (Plumbing and Heating); and James Whelan (Automobile Technology).
Frank Trench, SETU lecturer and Chief Judge at World Skills Ireland, spoke about the importance of the event and competition. He said, “Skills-based education and apprenticeship training plays a vital role in the building Ireland’s skilled workforce. Seeing the talent and expertise of participants over the three days of competition is extremely exciting. I’m constantly inspired by the dedication of all participants.”
Centre of excellence
Through its involvement in WorldSkills Ireland, SETU reinforces its position as a centre of excellence in technical and skills-based education and training. The University is committed to ongoing development of its apprenticeship offerings, ensuring students have access to the highest quality training, as well as the best environments, tools, and mentorship needed to succeed on both national and international stages.