- Joint overall winners: CDS Architectural Metalwork and Shannon Campus, Limerick and Clare ETB each win €2,000 first prize
- The award for the outstanding example of Team-work Award: ESB Networks
- The award for the outstanding example of Leadership Award: Designer Group
- The award for the outstanding example of Creativity: King & Moffatt Building Services
- The award for the outstanding example of problem solving JOINTLY to: Athlone Training Centre, Longford and Westmeath ETB AND Kerry ETB
- The award for the best use of Social Media: Tipperary Education and Training Board
Friday 12 April
Now in its second year, the Generation Apprenticeship Competition challenges teams of apprentices to design and produce a 6-foot, 3-dimensional A letter (based on the Generation Apprenticeship brand) using the materials/ equipment/tools of their industry. The competition was judged by Noreen O’Hare, senior executive in Microsoft and a member of the Apprenticeship Council, Charlie Dolan of Charlie Dolan Consulting and Dermot Bannon, the nationally renowned architect.
Speaking during the awards ceremony today, Minister of State for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD said “In Ireland, apprenticeship is already a first choice for over 15,000 people of all ages and backgrounds, career changers as well as school leavers completing their chosen award. Each finalist team in the Generation Apprenticeship competition showed how participation in apprenticeship is shifting to include massive scope for many different people. Ongoing curriculum reform in craft apprenticeships is diversifying high-quality career options across the Engineering, Electrical, Construction and Motor industries. Apprenticeship is meeting the needs of new and modern types of jobs such as Data Analyst, Aviation Engineer, Software Developer, Chefs and many more. Highly paid roles across Insurance, Logistics, Auctioneering and International Financial Services are just a few of the new careers accessible through apprenticeship today. Apprenticeship offers a huge range of opportunities for anyone who wants to continue learning, at any stage of life.”
Mr Pat O’Doherty, Apprenticeship Council Chairman and Chief Executive ESB, said “ESB has always recognised the value of apprenticeships as a way of building critical skills and attracting diverse talent into our business. Generation Apprenticeship showcases the wide range of 21st century skills, including leadership, creativity, collaboration and problem solving, that are nurtured through apprenticeships, and highlights the value of expanding apprenticeship into new industry sectors. The nine finalist teams represent the efforts of more than 110 apprentices and the support of more than 100 employers, tutors and a large list of suppliers. That is something to really celebrate.”
Dr Mary-Liz Trant, Executive Director for Skills Development at SOLAS said “The Generation Apprenticeship finalists have created stunning work and a real sense of community and pride. The participating companies and organisations have balanced day-to-day training and commercial priorities to support their apprentices as they showcase apprenticeship and its exceptional career options.”
To find out more, go to www.apprenticeship.ie.
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