Gaeilge
Eighteen apprentices from Donegal were among a group of 70 craft apprentices from across 16 apprenticeship programmes who graduated at a ceremony on Friday, 18 October. An additional 38 Donegal apprentices, who recently qualified, were unable to attend the ceremony due to employment and other commitments.
Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), in collaboration with Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB), presented the graduates with their certificates, marking the completion of their training and entry into skilled careers. Apprentices represented a wide range of trades, including Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry and Joinery, Construction Plant Fitting, Electrical, Electronic Security Systems, Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, Instrumentation, Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitting, Motor Mechanics, Metal Fabrication, Pipefitting, Plastering, Plumbing, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Toolmaking, and Vehicle Body Repair.
Speaking at the event Chief Executive of MSLETB, Tom Grady, said, “Apprenticeships play a pivotal role as they equip apprentices with the knowledge, skills, and expertise that industries demand, providing a pathway to rewarding careers. Our graduating apprentices can take great pride in their decision to pursue this journey. I extend my gratitude to the employers and mentors who supported these graduates throughout their apprenticeships, as well as the staff of our Training Centres and Higher Education Providers for their support and guidance. To the apprentices, your dedication and hard work are commendable, and you truly exemplify your employer, these apprenticeship programmes, and our ETBs. Best of luck to our apprentices for your future careers and endeavours.”
Presenting the awards, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Alan Dillion TD stated: “It is a privilege to be part of such a significant day for the graduates. Their commitment to personal and professional growth is inspiring, and I am proud to present these certificates as a recognition of their accomplishments. I am confident that the skills and knowledge gained here will serve them well as they step into the next chapter of their lives. Congratulations to all the graduates.”
Donegal ETB, Chief Executive Anne McHugh stated, “We are incredibly proud of all our Apprentices who graduate today. They have been supported by their family and friends throughout their apprenticeship journey, by Apprenticeship staff within their ETBs and of course by their employers, all of whom played a vital role, so today we salute all those who work so hard to prepare Apprentices for their vital role in our economy. Their skills are in demand and they are now extremely well prepared to work in Ireland or anywhere they want to go. We wish them all well as they embark on this next phase of their career.”
Apprenticeships are delivered through a combination of on-the-job and off-the-job training that allows apprentices to earn while they learn and gain an internationally recognised qualification.
In 2024, over 27,000 apprentices are currently completing their training. Over 9,200 employers are training apprentices on over 70 different programmes which lead to awards spanning Levels 5-10 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
For more information about the apprenticeship programmes available or to become an approved employer or to register as an apprentice, contact Donegal ETB’s apprenticeship team at apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie or call 074 91 20500.
