Minister O’Donovan welcomes Creative Careers initiative at Higher Options and WorldSkills Ireland events in the RDS Dublin

• Minister O’Donovan highlights Creative Calling: Careers for the Curious presence at Higher Options and WorldSkills Ireland events in the RDS
• Creative Calling: Careers for the Curious is part of a new pilot initiative connecting young people with career opportunities in the arts, cultural and creative industries

The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’ Donovan TD., welcomed the presence of the first Creative Careers stand at the Higher Options and WorldSkills Ireland events, which opened today in the RDS, Dublin.

The Creative Calling: Careers for the Curious stands will promote careers in the arts,

cultural and creative industries to 16–18-year-olds. Led by Creative Ireland, in partnership with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, the Arts Council and Coimisiún na Meán, and managed by Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, it highlights the connection between young people’s creative interests and future career opportunities.

WorldSkills Ireland and Higher Options are Ireland’s largest education and skills expos, running concurrently at the RDS from 17-19 September, with over 30,000people expected to attend. Higher Options is Ireland’s largest education expo designed for students to explore third level education options, while WorldSkills showcases skill-based careers pathways in Ireland.

The Creative Calling: Careers for the Curious exhibition stands feature live demonstrations and visual displays highlighting the wide range of careers in the creative sector Representatives from the National Talent Academies, Minding Creative Minds, Writers Guild of Ireland, Institute of Designers Ireland, Irish Film Institute, Young Irish Filmmakers, Fresh Film Festival and the Institute of Advertising Practitioners will be on hand to provide information and advice.

A downloadable information pack on careers in the creative sector is available on the Creative Ireland website.

Speaking about the pilot initiative, Minister O’Donovan said:

As someone who has spent time in the classroom, I know how important it is to show young people the range of opportunities that can flow from their passions and interests. Creative Calling: Careers for the Curious is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the diverse array of careers the creative, artistic and cultural sectors can offer. Professionals from across these Irish sectors have made a significant impact both at home and abroad and can inspire the next generation of young creatives. This initiative aims to highlight the breadth of options available to guide them on their career pathway.