Apprenticeships in the spotlight

With our society heavily dependent on the skill and expertise of trades people, there's an increased focus on recruiting apprentices. We saw evidence of this at a careers/apprenticeship event held in The Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown last Thursday night.

Sponsored by Mitchelstown Credit Union and supported by the town's 3 secondary schools (Coláiste Fionnchua, Presentation Secondary School and the CBS) this showcase attracted a very substantial crowd. Guest speakers included Gillian Cannon, Adrian Beatty, Brian Stokes, Deirdre O'Sullivan, Anna Gorecka and Carol Carey.

Prior to and following these speakers, attendees were able to visit the various stands and talk to businesses about the apprenticeships on offer.

A GOOD TIME TO BE STARTING OUT

A variety of local and national businesses are seeking enthusiastic young women and men to fill a whole range of positions - these range from construction and engineering to horticulture and hospitality. All apprenticeships include a combination of college attendance and work placement. On completion of your chosen apprenticeship, you can look forward to a good salary and excellent career advancement prospects.

SKILLS FOR LIFE

' Automatic' progression to third level has become the norm in recent times, however, there's a growing realisation that apprenticeships are often a 'better fit' for many young people. There are vacancies in nearly all sectors, with massive competition to sign up ambitious and motivated individuals. Parents of young people are also realising the advantages of going down the apprenticeship route.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information on any aspect of apprenticeships, readers are encouraged to log on to https://apprentice ship.ie/career-seekers/jobs

(Pic: John Ahern) ABOVE: Silver Pail HR Manager, Barry Hill and Engineering Manager, James Fennelly, who had a stand at last Thursday’s apprenticeship fair in The Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown. (Pic: John Ahern) LEFT: Kilworth carpenter, Sean Carroll and his granddaughter, Louise Moriarty, who were at last Thursday night’s careers and apprenticeship fair in The Firgrove Hotel.

(Pic: John Ahern) Personnel representing main sponsors, Mitchelstown Credit Union, who were on duty at last Thursday night’s careers and apprenticeship fair in The Firgrove Hotel: Brian Whelan, Joy White, Gemma O’Brien, Lizzie Dineen, Andrew O’Regan, Conor O’Brien and Cami Bontiu.

(Pic: John Ahern) L-r: Carol and Emma Ryan with Leah and Jennifer McGrath who attended last Thursday night’s very successful careers and apprenticeship fair in The Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown.

(Pic: John Ahern) Cpl Colin Clancy from Fermoy, with navy personnel at last Thursday night’s careers fair in The Firgrove, l-r: P.O. Kara Foley, Lt. Cdr. Niamh Ni Fhatharta and AB Leah Scott.

(Pic: John Ahern) Tom and Tadhg Quirke from Glanworth were at last Thursday night’s apprenticeship fair in The Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown.