Wexford Winners Among Ireland’s Top Young Career Talent

Whether they want to explore the stars in space or star in the movies, 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 2026, 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 they developed and to explore a potential future career.

On Wednesday 6th May, 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.

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. There was a 20% increase in entries this year, a testament to the value placed on career exploration and work experience in schools nationwide.

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. The creative industries were well represented too, 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.

Speaking at the event, Eimear Sinnott, MD of CareersPortal, highlighted how real-life skills will set students apart as world of work and AI evolve:  

“Work experience is a vital part of career exploration but it only delivers real value when it is accessible to all students, not just those with the social capital or personal connections to secure placements. Creating a level playing field requires strong engagement from Industry to openly offer opportunities and ensure equitable access. It was so refreshing to see students explore such a wide range of educational pathways. From Further Education and Training courses to apprenticeships and higher education options, they looked well beyond the traditional route, reminding us that the CAO is just one of many paths to a fulfilling career. Whatever the setting, the skills students developed are highly transferable. In an evolving world of work, particularly with the rise of AI, it is these human skills that will truly set them apart.”

Sarah Dolly, Head of Tourism Careers, Fáilte Ireland said: “Tourism offers many exciting and rewarding career options across a range of sectors, and is a profession that offers flexibility and lots of progression opportunities. Tourism allows for a career to suit your lifestyle and pursue your passions, while developing key skills and competencies such as teamwork, time management and effective communication skills. Fáilte Ireland is delighted to facilitate students to engage with tourism businesses across the county to secure quality work experience placements via our Work Experience portal on TourismCareers.ie. Congratulations to all students who submitted an entry in the Tourism Category for Career Skills 2026.”

Andrew Brownlee, CEO of CIF said: “CIF are delighted to have partnered with Careers Portal for this year’s award. The Careers Portal competition recognises excellence in a career investigation focussed on a career within the construction sector. The quality and wide variety of submissions we received across students who had undertaken work experience in architecture, engineering and construction was excellent. The winning candidate made a very compelling report on his work experience and career investigation as a prospective electrical apprentice.  We hope that by continuing to build awareness of the huge range of career pathways and roles available to young people that we can generate that spark of interest and encourage more of the next generation to come and build Ireland’s future infrastructure.”

Brendan Owens, Research Ireland and ESERO Ireland, commented: “ESERO Ireland is proud to support this award that spotlights a student who has brought to light the possibilities from a career in Space Science and Technology. This often includes busting stereotypes and uncovering the amazing opportunities that lie ahead for young people. This year’s winner of the Space Science and Technology Special Award highlights the interdisciplinary and wide-ranging nature of work in the space sector. Using experience gained during her work placement in a hospital, Aizzah refocused her learnings to conduct an investigation into a career in Aerospace Medicine, specifically Space Medicine and exploring the intersection of biology, physics, and human biochemistry for survival in extreme environments. Aizzah has shown how interdisciplinary, collaborative and promising a field space science is for students.”