Talented joiner carves out gold at WorldSkills event

Bellinter apprentice Aaron Hayes following family tradition

Aaron Hayes, an young apprentice from Bellinter, has won gold in the joinery category at WorldSkills Ireland 2025, held recently at Dublin’s RDS Simmonscourt.

The three-day event, Ireland’s largest skills and apprenticeship showcase, attracted over 30,000 students from more than 300 schools. It highlighted career paths in construction, engineering, digital technology, hospitality, horticulture, and the creative arts, offering alternatives to traditional academic routes.

Aaron, who is completing his apprenticeship with Callaghan’s Joinery in Boyerstown while studying Construction at ATU Sligo, was among six finalists in the national joinery competition.

Competitors were tasked with building a detailed test piece from technical drawings provided on day one. The piece, including a frame, door, and steps, was constructed mostly using hand tools, designed to challenge a range of joinery skills.

“We first had to scale the drawings full-size on a drawing board, which was judged too,” Aaron explained. “Then over two days, we built the piece. Every joint and detail was scrutinized. It’s all about accuracy and finish.”

He added, “It’s a real test of skill. You have to follow the drawings precisely but also develop your own templates and processes.”

Judges assessed precision, cleanliness, and overall craftsmanship continuously throughout the build, and Aaron came out on top.

Aaron’s passion for joinery runs deep. “My grandfather, Pat Quinn, was a joiner,” he said. “I spent a lot of time working with him on small projects growing up. That’s where my interest began.”

Seán Callaghan, owner of Callaghan’s Joinery, praised Aaron’s dedication since starting his apprenticeship four years ago.

“Aaron joined a workshop that’s been central to our community for 50 years,” Seán said. “From the start, his passion and attention to detail set him apart. He clearly has both the talent and temperament to excel.”

Aaron is a third-generation joiner, following his grandfather, who worked with Callaghan’s Joinery for over 20 years.

“His grandfather’s craftsmanship helped build our business’s strong reputation,” Seán added. “Having both grandfather and grandson share the same passion under one roof is truly special. We’re incredibly proud of Aaron’s achievement.”

Now in his final apprenticeship year, Aaron plans to continue with Callaghan’s Joinery once qualified.

“There’s great satisfaction in joinery. It’s hands-on, creative, and you see the results of your work,” he said. “I’ve always loved it.”

WorldSkills Ireland’s National Competition Finals featured 180 competitors across 35 skills, including automotive, ICT, hospitality, and logistics.

The event hosted over 80 exhibitors, connecting apprentices with employers and showcasing innovations like AI, Virtual Reality, and green technology in the Further Education and Training Village.

Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland, praised the high skill level on display.

“The talent shows the quality coming through our apprenticeship programmes,” he said. “WorldSkills Ireland has become a key showcase for students, parents, and teachers alike.”

Supported by Government and industry partners such as SISK, ESB Networks, and the Construction Industry Federation, WorldSkills Ireland raises awareness of skills careers and helps address Ireland’s skills shortage.