On Thursday November 23, as part of European Vocational Skills Week, the GRETB Training Centre in Mervue Business Park opened its doors to more than 400 students, teachers, and parents.
During this open day attendees were offered information on apprenticeships and pathways into apprenticeship.
GRETB area training manager, Ken Farragher, welcomed the groups and described the role of the training centre in apprenticeship provision in the region. Mr Farragher also described the literacy and numeracy supports provided by GRETB which are specifically tailored to apprenticeships; these supports have recently achieved a special mention as an innovative VET provision by the European Vocational Skills Agency.
Sean Brady from Chanelle Group, based in Loughrea, detailed the working life of a modern apprentice and explained how valuable to industry a craftsperson can be. The apprenticeship support team gave tours of the facility and spoke to groups on the steps involved in becoming an apprentice.
The GRETB Training centre in Mervue has been training apprentices in the west since 1969. There are currently 27 traditional apprenticeships available including electrician, plumber, metal fabricator, carpentry and joinery, and motor mechanic. Trades persons are very much in demand and apprenticeship offers a real alternative to progression to third level education. Irish apprenticship qualifications are recognised worldwide.
Information on new apprenticeships, such as insurance practitioner, accounting technician, commis chef, and international financial specialist, was also presented.
For information on the apprenticeship system, visit the GRETB website at gretbtrainingcentre.ie, call 091 706200, or visit the national website at apprenticeship.ie
