Last Friday, 30 apprentices received their QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft, bringing the number to 95 apprentices who graduated fully in 2019 from Galway and Roscommon.
Apprenticeships offer a great opportunity to gain an internationally recognised qualification, that is delivered in a combination of on-the-job and off-the-job training and that allows the apprentices to earn while they learn. There are now more than 50 trade qualifications that can be obtained through an apprenticeship in Ireland.
The certificates were presented by Dr Mary Liz Trant, executive director SOLAS, while deputy mayor and former apprentice, Noel Larkin, spoke to the apprentices about how the apprenticeship system gave him a career direction, the confidence to start his own company, and how he continues to employ apprentices.
David Leahy, chief executive of the Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB, which administers the apprenticeship in Galway and Roscommon ) welcomed the apprentices on the day and Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha GRETB director congratulated the apprentices who took part in the national skills competition and encouraged other apprentices and employers to participate in 2020.
Finally, compere for the day Ken Farragher GRETB training manager closed the ceremony and encouraged the newly qualified craftspeople to continue on their learning journey.
If you would like to find out more about becoming an apprentice in Galway or Roscommon, contact the GRETB Training Centre on 091 706200 or visit the website gretbtrainingcentre.ie or apprenticeship.ie
