Gaeilge
Almost three hundred craft apprentices from Donegal, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim graduated from across 15 apprenticeship programmes at a ceremony on Friday, 14 November.
The ceremony in the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny saw 129 apprentices attend the celebratory event with their families and friends, 59 of whom trained with Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB) apprentices and 70 trained with Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB (MSLETB).
An additional 166 apprentices (36 from Donegal and 130 from Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim), who recently qualified, were unable to attend the ceremony due to employment and other commitments.
Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB), in collaboration with Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), presented the graduates with their certificates, marking the completion of their training and entry into skilled careers.
Apprentices represented a wide range of trades, including Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry and Joinery, Construction Plant Fitting, Electrical, Electrical Instrumentation, Electronic Security Systems, Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitter, Metal Fabrication, Motor Mechanics, Plumbing, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Stonecutting and Stonemasonry, Toolmaking, and Wood Manufacturing and Finishing.
Donegal ETB, Chief Executive Anne McHugh stated, “We are so very proud of all our Apprentices who graduate today. They have worked hard to get to this point, and we acknowledge the support of family and friends throughout their apprenticeship journey. I want to thank particularly Apprenticeship staff within their ETBs and, of course, their employers, without whom there are no Apprenticeships. Everyone plays a vital role, so today we salute all those who work so hard to prepare Apprentices for a career which we hope will be a rewarding and fruitful one. The skills apprenticeships gain have never been more in demand, and you are now extremely well prepared to work in Ireland or anywhere in the world you want to go. We wish you all well as you embark on this next phase of your career.”
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive of MSLETB, Tom Grady, said, “Apprenticeships play a pivotal role as they equip apprentices with the knowledge, skills, and expertise that industries demand, providing a pathway to rewarding careers. Our graduating apprentices should take great pride in their decision to pursue this journey. I extend my gratitude to the employers and mentors who supported these graduates throughout their apprenticeships. To the apprentices, your dedication and hard work are commendable, and you truly exemplify your employer, these apprenticeship programmes, and our ETBs. Best of luck to our apprentices for your future careers and endeavours.”
The event once again underscored the strong collaboration between Donegal ETB and Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB in delivering and supporting apprenticeship training across the North West, aligning education and industry needs while creating valuable opportunities for learners and communities.
Highlighting the wider impact of apprenticeship on communities and economies, Donegal ETB’s Area Training Manager Vinny McGroary stated: “The national
apprenticeship system remains one of Ireland’s greatest success stories — combining practical learning in the workplace with high-quality training in our education and training centres. It plays a crucial role in supporting our local and regional economies, ensuring that employers have access to the skilled workforce they need to grow and innovate.”
“None of this would be possible without the ongoing commitment and partnership of employers across the North West who continue to invest in the next generation of skilled workers,” he added.
Apprenticeships are delivered through a combination of on-the-job and off-the-job training that allows apprentices to earn while they learn and gain an internationally recognised qualification.
Nationally, over 30,000 apprentices are currently completing their training, with over 10,000 employers supporting apprenticeship training on more than 70 different programmes, leading to awards spanning Levels 5-10 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
For more information about the apprenticeship programmes available, or to become an approved employer or to register as an apprentice, contact Donegal ETB’s apprenticeship team at apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie or call 074 91 20500.
