Praise for Irish apprenticeships
There was high praise for the Irish apprenticeship system at a graduating ceremony in Sligo hosted by SOLAS, and Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB.
Graduating apprentices from Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim, who recently completed their apprenticeship were presented with their Advanced Certificate Craft.
Speaking at the presentation, Deputy Tony McLoughlin spoke of the high quality of the Irish apprenticeship system, the growing demand for people with vocational skills and how the Irish apprenticeship programme has proven hugely successful in developing highly skilled workers.
“The skills learned through an apprenticeship are invaluable and offer real job opportunities. Businesses need people with strong practical skills and apprenticeship and vocational training are key to delivering these.”
Mary-Liz Trant, Executive Director for Skills Development, SOLAS, drew attention to the calibre of the Irish Apprenticeship system which is recognised nationally and internationally. An example of the standards achieved by apprentices during their apprenticeship is the success obtained by the Irish Team at successive World Skills Competitions. This is a remarkable achievement and it proves beyond doubt that our Apprenticeship system and our Apprentices are among the best in the world.”
The Advanced Certificate Craft is at Level 6 of the National Framework of Qualifications and is an internationally recognised qualification. Sixteen new statutory apprenticeships have now been launched in sectors such as auctioneering and property services, finance, biopharma and ICT. In addition, over 36 apprenticeships are in development across a range of sectors.