We have been delighted by the number of outstanding submissions to The National Career Skills Competition this year which made coming up with the shortlist very challenging. To all of you who entered the competition, thanks so much and to those who made the shortlist, a huge congratulations as you fought off stiff competition!
To enter the competition a student had to be able to demonstrate their understanding of a chosen career, outline the educational pathways that lead to it and the most relevant knowledge requirements and the skills needed for it. They then discussed their work experience placement and outlined the skills they observed and developed during their placement. They reflected on their work experience and indicated if and how their work experience has influenced their career and educational choices.
The standard of entries was excellent once again this year, with fantastic submissions coming in from all over the country, making it a very difficult decision for the judges to shortlist.
Congratulations to all our 2025 finalists:
| Name | School |
| Ainnir Ní Dhonnacha | Coláiste Íosagáin, Dublin |
| Aisling Kennedy-Wolfe | Sacred Heart School, Louth |
| Alanna Crean | Loreto College, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin |
| Amy Reynolds | Colaiste Muire, Clare |
| Anna Morrissey | Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny |
| Aoibh Killeen Boland | Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Mayo |
| Avamay Broderick | Kilrush Community School, Clare |
| Beatrice Mc Cullen | Drogheda Grammar School, Louth |
| Bo Fleming | Gorey Educate Together Secondary School, Wexford |
| Brooke Somers | Gorey Educate Together Secondary School, Wexford |
| Cian Tansey | Balla Secondary School, Mayo |
| Clara McGuinness | St. Catherine's Vocational School, Donegal |
| Colleen Waters | Ramsgrange Community School, Wexford |
| Éabha Reen | Colaiste Muire, Clare |
| Eirini Kinatidou | Colaiste Muire, Clare |
| Eva NiThreinfhir | Coláiste Oiriall, Muineachán |
| Fionn Whelan | Blackrock College, Dublin |
| Grace Collins | St. Wolstans Community School, Kildare |
| Isabella Ní Choistealbha | Colaiste Choilmcille, Co na. Gaillimhe |
| Katie Hannon | Castlerea Community School, Roscommon |
| Maissane Chabira | Our Lady's Grove Secondary School, Dublin |
| Michael keegan | Ballinamore Community School, Leitrim |
| Michaela Gillooly | Glenamaddy Community School, Galway |
| Omey Nic Ardaill | Coláiste Oiriall, Monaghan |
| Peadar Báille | Coláiste an Eachréidh, Co na. Gaillimhe |
| Ruby Campion | Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny |
| Shannon McCarra | St Louis Secondary School, Monaghan |
| Valeriia Stepanenko | Ramsgrange Community School, Wexford |
| Wuraola Ojuolape | Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny |
Note: The list above is in alphabetical order only and is not an indicator of place.
Best of luck to all our finalists! Winners will be announced later this week so watch our CareersPortal.ie home page or follow us on Instagram.
The Award Ceremony for the National Career Skills Competition 2025 will take place on Wednesday 7th May 2025 in The Clock Tower, Department of Education, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1.
We will be in direct contact with each school regarding arrangements over the coming days.
Prizes
There are several fantastic prizes to be won, including MacBook Air Laptops, Tablets, Bluetooth Speakers and cash prizes for some of the winning schools.