EIGHTEEN apprentices from Donegal were among a group of 70 craft apprentices from across 16 apprenticeship programmes who graduated at a ceremony on Friday, October 18.
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.
Donegal electrical apprentice graduate Katy McGeady with her children and Donegal ETB Senior Apprenticeship Advisor Clare Lernihan.
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.
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.”
Graduates Aiden McGinley (left) and Cathal Charlton (right) with employer Eugene McBrearty, MD, KER Group, Killybegs.
Donegal ETB, Chief Executive Anne McHugh stated: “We are incredibly proud of all our Apprentices who graduated. 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 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.”
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