Paul Grace and Robbie Morgan, Carpentry and Joinery apprentices from Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET Raheen Campus, who have qualified for the WorldSkills Ireland 2025 Joinery Competition
Two Carpentry and Joinery apprentices from Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board’s College of Further Education and Training qualify for WorldSkills Ireland 2025 finals
Paul Grace and Robbie Morgan, Carpentry and Joinery apprentices from Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET Raheen Campus, are pictured with other learners and apprentices who will be showcasing their skills at this year’s prestigious event.
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 is a national showcase of the country’s top apprentices and learners, where participants compete in hands-on challenges that reflect real-world industry standards. It’s a celebration of the skill, dedication, and talent that power Ireland’s workforce.
WorldSkills Ireland is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of excellence in skills-based education, where 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.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
20 year old Paul Grace and 21 year old Robbie Morgan 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 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, 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, 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 wishes Paul and Robbie the very best of luck in Dublin at WorldSkills Ireland 2025.