Ninety local apprentices graduate and some are already working abroad
OVER 90 apprentices from all over County Louth and County Meath were awarded their QQI Advanced Certificate Craft in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dundalk recently.
They were joined on the day by their families, friends and employers as well as a number of staff from the Regional Skills and Training Board, LMETB. Graduates from right across the 27 trades predominantly Electrical, Motor Mechanics, Metal Fabrication and Plumbing
Paul O’Toole, CEO, SOLAS, congratulated them on their achievement and acknowledged their hard work and commitment and recognised the efforts made in achieving this distinction.
Ray Murphy, Manager, Regional Skills and Training welcomed all the graduates and their families and said ‘Congratulations to all of the apprentices who were recognised, we are extremely proud of them and wish them the very best for the future.
You have achieved a significant milestone in your careers and the award you receive today is a result of your dedication and hard work when you were in training with us, the Education Training Boards the Institutes of Technology and with your employer.
The knowledge and skills that you have acquired during your training, especially in the workplace will provide you with a strong skill base to work at your chosen trade, or to progress to further training and education.
Minister Damien English recognised that the qualification is valued nationally and internationally in the labour market.
He added ‘Some of today’s recipients of the Advanced Certificate may one day own their own business, others may decide to work abroad for a period. Whatever direction you choose remember that learning is for life and I would encourage each of you to think about your future needs and formulate a plan. Today is an opportunity to celebrate your achievement in been recognised as a highly skilled craftsperson’.
A number of graduates were unable to attend the ceremony having pursued successful careers abroad owing to the high level of recognition which the Advanced Certificate affords. Over the last year there has been an increase in the number of young people taking up apprenticeship as a career option and the apprenticeship system in Ireland is expanding.
Alongside this there has been an increase in the number of new apprentices being registered across all of the current trades. This is a testament to the high regard which the apprenticeship system in Ireland is held. It has long been respected as a comprehensive and successful career and education route for people of all ages.