Winners were crowned at the award ceremony at the Clock Tower in the Department of Education on Thursday.
The competition was open to all senior cycle students who have undertaken a work experience placement.
The 33 winners were selected from a shortlist including various sectors, such as microbiology labs, food production sites, game design, primary schools, hair salons and hotels.
One of the winners was Karthik Sreekanth from Rockbrook Park School in Rathfarnham, Dublin, who secured a trip to Strasbourg to experience becoming a member of the European Parliament.
Karthik was the winner of the Vlog category and would like to work in journalism in the future.
Sinéad Ahern, who won second place in the same category, did her work experience at NASA.
Sinéad Ahern, who won second place in the VLOG Category at the Career Skills Competition by Careers Portal. Photo: Damien Eagers
Ellie McMahon from Coláiste Oiriall in Co Monaghan won the Irish Language award for her work experience as an architect.
Another winner was Aoife McCann from Sacred Heart School in Drogheda, Co Louth, who gained experience in the Front of House restaurant. She won the Language Connect Award for Careers with a Foreign Language.
Sarah Dunne from the Presentation Secondary School, Loughboy, in Kilkenny won the Fáilte Ireland award for careers in tourism and hospitality, as she worked as a waitress.
A Leaving Certificate award went to Annabel Bogue of Our Lady’s Secondary School in Connabury in Castleblayney in Co Monaghan.
Annabel Bogue, Our Lady’s Secondary School, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, who won first place in the Leaving Cert Category at the Career Skills Competition by Careers Portal. Photo: Damien Eagers
Annabel did her work experience in the TY Med Program at Trinity College Dublin.
Aoíbhín Collins from Coláiste Mhuire in Ennis won the Transition Year award and gained work experience as a florist.
Aoibhín Collins, Colaiste Muire, Ennis, Co Clare, who won first place in the Leaving Cert Category at the Career Skills Competition by Careers Portal. Photo: Damien Eagers
Students could enter the competition in English or Irish through a written submission or vlog entry.
While speaking at the event today, MD of CareersPortal Eimear Sinnott said: “Research has shown that while academic performance is important, the development of career skills can be an even greater indicator of future success in the world of work.”
“Students need to understand this as early as possible so that they can work on recognizing and developing these important life skills.
“It is fantastic to see that the occupations investigated this year continue to be so diverse,” she added.
