Dozens of students honoured for career skills achievements as ‘competition continues to showcase the incredible talent
STUDENTS Aoibh Killeen Boland and Anna Morrissey beam with pride with their awards at this year's Career Skills Competition.
The bright youngsters - Aoibh from Jesus & Mary Secondary School in Crossmolina, Co
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Aoibh Killeen Boland and Anna Morrissey celebrated their wins today
Credit: Gary Ashe
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Katie Hannon, Maissane Chabria, Anna Morrissey, Valeriia Stepanenko and Eva Ni Threinfhir
Credit: Gary Ashe
Aoibh and Anna were just two of 29 winners at the annual event, run by career guidance platform CareersPortal, which took place at the Department of Education this week.
From sailing a boat from
One standout student is Valeriia Stepanenko, who bagged first place in the Leaving Cert category, and has since become a vital part of her local community in Ramsgrange, Co.
She came to Ireland from
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Valeriia has volunteered with local enterprises and the county council.
Her passion for politics led her to shadow Labour TD George Lawlor, and her ultimate goal is to become a Diplomat.
Speaking at the event Eimear Sinnott, MD of CareersPortal, said: 'This competition continues to showcase the incredible talent, curiosity, and ambition of Ireland's young people.
"By exploring real-world careers and reflecting on the skills they've developed, students are not only planning for their futures — they're actively shaping them.'
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Failte Ireland's Michelle Donavan said that Tourism offers many exciting and rewarding career options across a range of sectors, in an industry that offers flexibility and lots of progression opportunities.
Research Ireland and ESERO Ireland, Brendan Owens, added: 'ESERO Ireland is proud to support this award to spotlight a student who brings to light the reality of a career in Space Science, Maths or Physics, busting stereotypes and uncovering the amazing opportunities that lie ahead of young people.
Watch the moment Kerry Katona SCREAMS about daughter Heidi's GCSE exam results
"This year's winner of the Space Science, Maths and Physics Special Award shines a spotlight on the teamwork that is key to a successful career in Astrophysics.
"So often, the stereotype of the 'lone genius' is presented on screens or other media, and Aoibh has helped dismantle this image and replace it with a more realistic and collaborative perspective on the exciting opportunities this field presents to students.'
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Now in its 15th year, the Career Skills Competition encourages senior cycle students who have completed a work experience placement to reflect deeply on the skills they developed and to explore a potential future career.
To enter, students must research their chosen career, outline relevant education pathways, identify key skills and knowledge, and reflect on how the experience has influenced their aspirations.
Pupils can access extensive resources on
www.careersportal.ie, including career sector profiles, course information, detailed occupational information and work experience opportunities advertised by employers.
Category Winners
Leaving Certificate (LCVP/LCA/LCE):
Valeriia Stepanenko, Ramsgrange Community School, Co. Wexford –
Career Investigation: Diplomat
VLOG Category:
Maissane Chabira, Our Lady's Grove Secondary School, Dublin –
Career Investigation: Primary School Teaching
Transition Year:
Anna Morrissey, Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny –
Career Investigation: Medicine
Irish Language Category:
Eva Ní Threinfhir, Coláiste Oiriall, Muineachán –
Career Investigation: Translator
Fáilte Ireland Award (Tourism & Hospitality):
Avamay Broderick, Kilrush Community School, Co. Clare –
Career Investigation: Hotel Management
Highly Commended: Ruby Campion, Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny –
Career Investigation: Tourism & Hospitality
Construction Careers (CIF):
Katie Hannon, Castlerea Community School, Roscommon –
Career Investigation: Architecture
Space, Science, Maths & Physics Careers:
Aoibh Killeen Boland, Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo –
Career Investigation: Astrophysics
Prizes & Recognition
Winners in each category received MacBook Air laptops, with second-place winners receiving iPads, and third-place students awarded Apple AirPods. All commended students also received prizes. In addition, four schools received €1,000 each to support their career guidance programmes
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Aoibh Killeen Boland attends Castlerea Community School
Credit: Gary Ashe
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Ainnir Ni Dhonnacha, Eva Ni Threinfhir and Peader Baille
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Winners of National Career Skills Competition celebrated at the Dept of Education
Credit: Gary Ashe
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