NEWS
James Hunt, an apprentice from Co Cavan studying at ATU Sligo, was the top performer in the Electrical Installation category of WorldSkills Ireland 2025. Held at RDS Simmonscourt over September 17-19, the event welcomed more than 30,000 students from over 300 schools across the country for Ireland’s largest skills and apprenticeship showcase. Over three days, young people got to experience first- hand the wide range of skills, trades and career opportunities now on offer. The event gave students the chance to meet employers, try out different skills, hear from apprentices already working in their industries and see the latest technologies in action. Celebrating excellence within the industry, a highlight was the National Competition Finals, where 180 competitors took part in 35 different skills finals including Electrical Installation, Plumbing and Heating, ATU SLIGO APPRENTICE LIFTS ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION TITLE AT WORLDSKILLS IRELAND
Belfast Met student and NUGENT apprentice Ewan Forsythe has been named as a runner up in the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year awards for 2025. Ewan was among three finalists in this golden anniversary year for the UK-wide awards, with the title going to Jack Hawkins from Camelot Electrical, while Gary Hall from Dalkia Engineering was also named runner up. Ewan and Gary were awarded £2,000 and a Megger toolkit each. Judging criteria included a passion for learning and development, awareness of industry issues and challenges, a vision for the future, commitment to the industry and their employer, and good communication skills. The latest in a series of accolades, Ewan achieved the top score in Electrical Installation at the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier held in South Eastern Regional College on May 20, and has been named as one of eight finalists to compete in the SkillELECTRIC UK Final 2025 at Bridgend College in November. He was also named Apprentice of the Year at the Northern Ireland Electrical Awards in Titanic Belfast on June 6. www.eca.co.uk EWAN FORSYTHE NAMED ECA EDMUNDSON APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR RUNNER UP
WorldSkills Ireland 2025 Electrical Installation winner James Hunt is pictured, centre.
Engineering and Construction. Visitors met with 80-plus exhibitors, connected with education and training boards, technological universities, universities and apprenticeship consortium employers, and experienced cutting-edge learning through AI, virtual reality and green technology in the Further Education and Training Village. www.worldskillsireland.ie
MTU EVENT HIGHLIGHTS AI’S POTENTIAL TO BOOST ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The vital role AI can play in energy efficiency, proactive maintenance and a smarter grid network has been outlined at a debate hosted by Munster Technological University (MTU) at its Bishopstown Campus in Cork on October 9. Concerns were also raised about the need to close the AI skills gap at the event, which featured representatives from SEAI, Boston Scientific, Schneider Electric and MTU. Speakers highlighted how
L-R: Fiona Lavin, SEAI, and Jesse Morris, Schneider Electric.
smart monitoring tools will provide the data needed to improve onsite energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions. Data will facilitate an intelligent approach to condition- based maintenance, while AI modelling and digital twin technologies will also enable manufacturers to make sustainable investments that align with the needs of the business. Fiona Lavin, Programme Executive at SEAI, said, “Industries are required to cut their direct emissions by 35% by 2030. The big area of opportunity within this is carbon- neutral heating for industry which is possible through electrification. The move to electrification will make it possible for industries to achieve a 70% or 75% share of carbon-neutral heating by 2030.” www.se.com
Ewan Forsythe at the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier.
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