From exploring the stars in space to being a star in the movies, or if you want to become an accountant, a sports scientist or an electrician, the sky was the limit for over 1,700 secondary school students from around Ireland who took part in this year's Career Skills Competition, run by Ireland’s leading career guidance platform, CareersPortal.
Now in its 16th year, the competition encourages Senior Cycle students who have completed a work experience placement to reflect on the skills. This year's winners have just been announced and you can see them in the gallery above.
The top 35 students from 21 counties in Ireland were honoured at an award ceremony at the Clock Tower, Department of Education, where they gathered with families, teachers and guidance counsellors from across the country to celebrate their achievements.
Some of the standout entries were quite timely; one student explored the job of a genealogist (the nation just recently pouring over the 1926 Census results), while another looked into the role of medicine in space – very relevant in light of NASA’s awe-inspiring Artemis missions! One student also gained teaching experience in Calcutta, which encouraged him to explore the career of a social entrepreneur.
Take Part in 2027
To enter, students researched their chosen career, outlined relevant education pathways, identified key skills and knowledge and reflected on how the experience has influenced their aspirations. Students entered in English or Irish, either through a written submission or a Vlog.
Once again this year, students engaged in a wide range of work experience across a number of industries. A clear trend this year was the growth in tourism-related placements, with over 15% of all students who entered completing their work experience in this sector.
Click here to sign up for the 2026/ 2027 competition.
This year the creative industries were well represented , reflecting the success of Ireland in this sector with actors like Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal and Cillian Murphy internationally and with many students exploring careers in acting, film production in Irish and English, journalism and radio broadcasting, including placements with Beat Radio, Radio Rí Rá and the Anglo Celt.
The healthcare sector remained especially popular, while there was a notable rise in interest in apprenticeship pathways, particularly in traditional construction trades like carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Roles in childcare and those supporting older people were also explored by students, helping them develop valuable perspectives on the needs of the younger and older members of our communities.
The competition is proudly supported by a range of key industry and education partners, each presenting special awards in their respective fields. Fáilte Ireland recognises excellence in entries related to Tourism and Hospitality, the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) recognises careers in the construction sector, ESERO Ireland champions careers in space, science, maths and physics, while An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta & Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) celebrates outstanding entries through the Irish language.
Students can use their entries to support their GAISCE Bronze Medal (The President's Award). Their continued support plays a vital role in inspiring and guiding the next generation of professionals across diverse sectors.
For more content for Senior Cycle students visit RTÉ Learn.
