Two Carpentry and Joinery apprentices from Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board’s College of Further Education and Training, Raheen Campus, have qualified to compete in the WorldSkills Ireland 2025 finals, which will take place at the RDS, Dublin from 17th–19th September.
WorldSkills Ireland 2025, the nation’s leading event designed to promote skills, apprenticeship careers, and workplace opportunities for young people, is more than just a competition, it is a celebration of the dedication, and talent that power Ireland’s workforce, which will feature Ireland’s top apprentices and learners and see participants compete in hands-on challenges that reflect real-world industry standards.
Over 160 finalists will go head-to-head across 30 live competitions, with the ultimate goal of representing Ireland at the WorldSkills international finals in Shanghai in 2026.
20 year old Paul Grace and 21 year old Robbie Morgan are two of these finalists who will compete in the Joinery Competition, one of the most competitive categories in this prestigious national skills event.
Both Paul and Robbie completed their Phase 2 Carpentry and Joinery training at Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET Raheen Campus under the guidance of instructor Michael McMahon, who recognised their talent early on.
“Even though I’m still relatively new to the role, just two and a half years in, helping apprentices grow their skills and confidence has been incredibly rewarding and an honour,” said Michael.
“From the first week I saw both Paul and Robbie in class, it was clear they had something special and I could see their potential. They both showed real focus, ability, and a drive to learn. Getting one apprentice through to the WorldSkills finals would have been a proud moment, but having two is absolutely brilliant. I actually competed in WorldSkills Ireland myself back in 1983, so to now be on the other side, helping these lads prepare, feels like it’s come full circle and I look forward to reliving the World Skills experience watching these two top class carpenters compete”.
21 year old Robbie Morgan will compete in the Joinery Competition, one of the most competitive categories in this prestigious national skills event.
Robbie Morgan from from Rathmolyon, a small village outside Trim in County Meath, finished his Phase 2 training in Raheen last year and is now working in the family business, McHugh and Morgan Ltd, alongside his brother David, who also has WorldSkills experience, having represented Ireland at the international finals in Brazil 11 years ago.
“It’s a proud tradition to follow,” Robbie said. “I was really honoured when Michael nominated me, he’s someone I looked up to during my training, so it meant a lot to know he thought highly of me too and I’m just focused now on doing my best and representing the family business, with pride.”
20 year old Paul Grace will compete in the Joinery Competition, one of the most competitive categories in this prestigious national skills event.
Paul Grace, from The Rower village in Kilkenny who was part of Michael’s first-ever apprentice group and works with C&I Carpentry, is equally proud of his selection:
“It was really great to have the support from Mike at the Raheen Campus. Knowing he thought I had the potential to make it to WorldSkills Ireland meant a lot. He’s a great lecturer and when he told me about his own experience competing, it inspired me to work harder and go for it.”
Limerick and Clare ETB would like to congratulate both apprentices and their instructor Mike on this outstanding achievement and wish Paul and Robbie the very best of luck in Dublin at WorldSkills Ireland 2025.
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