Two Co Clare hairdressing apprentices have made it through to the world skills final in Dublin in two weeks time.
Gráinne Henry and Emma Mc Donnell, two second year apprentices with Bridget Haren Hair & Beauty salon in Ennis and from Clare and Limerick ETB, are being tutored by Claire De Lap in the Ennis campus .
The two ladies are excited to compete in the finals of the Ireland world skills and hope to accomplish the title as last year’s winner from our salon Laoibhse O’Malley.
Bridget Haren of Bridget Haren Hair & Beauty said: “I’m so proud of the two ladies and all the hard work they have put into their training, dedication and commitment to the apprenticeship program and competition work. The team wish them both success in Dublin.”
Gráinne and Emma will compete in 6 categories over three days including commercial colour and cut; fashion style; bridal; gents colour and cut; festival look and catwalk look .
Over 170 finalists will go head-to-head in a range of skills-based trades including automation, constructions skills, ICT and culinary arts.
Also from county Clare are: Eoin Dalton is competing in Cabinetmaking, Patrick Flanagan in Carpentry and Oisín Madigan and Colin Hehir in Metal Fabrication.
Running concurrently with Higher Options, both events aim to raise the profile and recognition of skills and apprenticeships, preparing the talent of today for the careers of the future. Supported by industry partners, SISK, Autodesk, ESB Networks, Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus, and the Construction Industry Federation, the event is a partnership between enterprise, industry, education, training, and government.
Commenting on the announcement of the finalists for WorldSkills Ireland, Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland, remarked: “Congratulations to all the exceptional young individuals who have earned their place as finalists at WorldSkills Ireland in September. This achievement is a testament to their dedication and skill, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate their talents.”
Ray adds: “WorldSkills Ireland is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of skills and a vital platform for promoting apprenticeship and skills-based career opportunities. The event is designed to give students a chance to discover alternatives to university education, showcasing the multiplicity of skills training and apprenticeships on offer and profiling the long-lasting and fulfilling careers currently available across Ireland.
“We believe that by promoting skills and apprenticeship opportunities, we can develop innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of various industries. The collaboration between education, industry, and government at WorldSkills Ireland is not only unique, but it is crucial in creating a brighter future for our young people and strengthening Ireland’s economy.”
Alongside the competitions, there will be demonstrations, try out areas, inspiring real-live talks from industry experts, an opportunity to meet employers who are ready to recruit and the chance to view innovative digital tech skills that are the backbone of jobs of the future.
Designed to promote skills, apprenticeship careers and opportunities for young people, the event allows students, parents, teachers, and guidance counsellors to navigate the options available following secondary education. The Finals Day is set to take place at the RDS, Dublin on Friday 27th September and is a day not to be missed! Free to attend, registration for the event is now open – www.worldskillsireland.ie.