Kerry ETB & Kerry College Competitors Shine Brightly at World Skills Ireland 2023

Kerry Education and Training Board (ETB) and Kerry College made an impressive mark at the World Skills 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 ETB / Kerry College had a notable presence at World Skills – 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 – OPW 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 Engineering, Killarney

Runner-Up in Industrial Mechanics

Alison O’Sullivan – Commis Chef Apprentice at 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.

For information on any Kerry College courses please contact the Admissions Office at [email protected] or call (066) 71 49696/(064) 6622593.

About Kerry College

Kerry College of Further Education & Training has a long and very successful tradition as the leading provider of further education in Kerry.

As part of Kerry Education & Training Board we are committed to providing a quality education service with equal opportunity for people of all ages and abilities.