Young scaffolders offer their experience as trade is included in the prestigious competition for the first time

Scafolding was included in Worldskills Ireland for the first time, which represents a great milestone for construction trade in the prestigious professional skills competition held in RDS in Dublin last week.

The historical inclusion is a great step forward in identifying scaffolding as a skilled profession that deserves to be put in place international competition, making Ireland compatible with global efforts to enhance construction deals among young people.

The global skills platform

Worldskills, founded in 1950, is a global organization that enhances vocational and technological education in 85 member countries on all continents. The competition has evolved to the largest event in the world for excellence and excellence in skills in the world, and it is often described as “skills Olympics”.

Irish repetition attracts about 20,000 secondary students at the level of senior from more than 300 schools throughout the country during its three -day program, making it a decisive land in the field of employment in the construction industry in Ireland at a time when workers are skills in trading.

Teams of three leading access companies – PHD Access Ltd, Celtic Working Platforms Ltd and Jld Access Limited – is to challenge the full spectrum of the required scaffolding experience in modern construction.

Coordination of competition requires the participants to show not only physical construction skills, but also in critical planning and safety management that supports professional scaffolding work. The teams had to produce comprehensive assessments of risks and methods of method (RAMS), detailed material lists, and to provide tools conversations before starting construction.

The structures themselves provided a complex technical challenge, including an independent scaffold system, integrated arrival of the stairs, specialized work in the package, and a functional sitting area, which all had to meet strict safety standards and residence within narrow time limitations.

Industry cooperation

The first successful appearance has become possible through extensive cooperation between educational institutions and industry partners. SCAFOLDAFAFALAFACTION LayHer has played an important role, as it provides not only materials but also for technical graphics and basic engineering experience for competition structures.

The partnership model reflects this broader approach to developing skills in Ireland, where industrial leaders are working closely with training providers to ensure the industrial discipleship of the real world’s requests.

John Kelly, director of the National Campus for Building Training in Jabal Lucas, admitted the narrow timetable but praised the cooperative effort that made the event possible.

“We were completely pleased to show it the opportunity to include scaffolding in Worldskills Ireland for the first time. We did not have a very long period before the event, however, our employees, employers, teams and disinfection are all gathered together to make an excellent offer to promote the profession in the scaffolding.” Kelly said.

The competition received high -level political support, as Minister James Lianna from Fianna Fál Worldskills Ireland 2025 launched as Minister of Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the law emphasized the role of the event in meeting the needs of Ireland’s skills.

“This event provides a valuable opportunity for students, parents and teachers to engage directly with employers and education providers from all over the country. It presents industrial disciples and training at work and highlights clear paths of internationally recognized qualifications and very desirable skills,” The minister said.

Political support reflects the increasing recognition of the government of the importance of the construction industry in economic development in Ireland, especially since the country faces continuous challenges in housing and infrastructure.

Check the health of experts

The credibility of the competition has been strengthened by the presence of Dave Musley, an international adviser to the efficiency and safety of scaffolding the position of the main examiner.

Mosley has played a fundamental role in developing the vocational training program in Ireland, as he was an expert in the subject during development and external authentication since its launch.

His assessment of the participants was largely positive, indicating not only their technical competence but also their professional approach to health and safety – potential factors in an industry in which life depends on appropriate procedures.

“It is very fun to see the scaffolding that is considered a related professional and applicable youth option in Ireland, which now takes its right place at the Worldskills event,” Musli said.

“The knowledge, efficiency and work ethics that all teams showed have highlighted that the introduction of vocational training in Ireland has proven to be very positive. They took this event seriously, and worked safely, they were polite and easy and showed a good sense of humor, which was within reach, given the weather at times.”

Building for the future

The success of this opening competition has already sparked ambitious plans to expand. Mount Lucas plans a great improved scaffold for Worldskills 2026, with the ultimate goal of preparing Irish competitors for the international stage.

The Worldskills International Competition, which will take place in Japan in 2027, represents the summit of the professional skills competition. Ireland’s participation in the scaffolding would be another milestone in the country’s commitment to excellence in construction deals.

“We will look forward to building our success this year to provide a larger and better scaffold experience for everyone in future Worldskills events,” Kelly, which indicates a long -term commitment to the development of this aspect of competition.