Twenty-One Donegal Apprentices Graduate

Twenty-one apprentices from Donegal were amongst a group of 160 apprentices from Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon who today received their QQI Advanced Certificates Craft.

They completed their apprenticeships in a wide range of areas including carpentry and joinery, construction plant fitting, electrical, heavy mechanics, mechanical automation and maintenance fitting, metal fabrication, motor mechanics, plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning, tool making and vehicle body repairs.

Donegal ETB Chief Executive Anne McHugh is delighted that 160 young people will be receiving their awards this year, many of whom will be here on Friday in Bundoran.  “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the young people, their families, the companies with which they work with and of course, the staff in our Training Centres who support and work so hard with them during their time with Education and Training Boards.”

CEO of SOLAS Paul O Toole added, “Your achievement marks the first step in embracing a wide range of career opportunities. Apprenticeship qualifications at QQI Level 6 are valued nationally and internationally in the labour market and form an integral part of the National Framework of Qualifications.”

Over the last number of years there has been an increased focus on Apprenticeships. Under the guidance of the Apprenticeship Council, the apprenticeship system in Ireland has expanded. Eight new statutory apprenticeships have now been launched in the sectors of financial services, manufacturing and engineering and hospitality. In addition, over sixteen apprenticeships are in development across a range of sectors.

Pictured are ten of the newly qualified graduates with from left-right: Claire Lernihan, Donegal ETB Apprenticeship Services; Anne McHugh, Donegal ETB Chief Executive; Paul O Toole, CEO, SOLAS; Shaun Purcell, MSL ETB CE; Vinny McGrory, Area Training Manager, Donegal ETB Apprenticeship Services and Tom Egan, Senior Training Advisor, Donegal ETB Apprenticeship Services.