07-05-2025
Top students recognised at Career Skills competition
Almost 1,400 secondary school students took part in this year's Career Skills Competition.
On Wednesday, the top 29 students were honoured at a special ceremony at the Clock Tower at the Department of Education.
Joined by their families, teachers, and guidance counsellors, they celebrated outstanding achievements in career exploration and planning. Winning students at the National Career Skills Competition by Careers Portal. Pic: Gary Ashe
Now in its 15th year, the competition which is run by CareersPortal, encourages students to explore potential career paths through hands-on experience and in-depth research.
The competition continues to grow in popularity with a 10% increase in entries this year.
This year's entries revealed emerging trends in students' career interests. Aoibh Killeen Boland from Castlerea Community School. Pic: Gary Ashe
There was a surge in curiosity around politics and the diplomatic service, as well as increased enthusiasm for apprenticeships in skilled trades such as electrical work, carpentry, and engineering.
Careers in hospitality and tourism saw renewed interest, while healthcare remained consistently popular.
Teaching also remains a popular choice. Katie Hannon from Castlerea Community School, Maissane Chabira from Our Lady's Grove Secondary School in Goatstown and Anna Morrissey from Presentation Secondary School in Kilkenny. Pic: Gary Ashe
Winners in each category were awarded MacBook Air laptops.
Second-place recipients received iPads, and third-place winners took home Apple AirPods.
Commended students also received prizes.
In recognition of their support for career education, four schools were awarded €1,000 each to enhance their guidance programmes.
