CMETB and LMETB National Apprenticeship Awards 2023

The National Apprenticeship Awards 2023 for apprentices in Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath were held in the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk on Friday 03 November 2023.

The event was hosted by Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) in partnership with Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) and presented awards to the graduates of a variety of Craft Apprenticeship programmes.

In total, 534 apprentices graduated from CMETB and LMETB in 2023 (Either in person or in absentia). Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State (Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Sport and Physical Education) presented the Advanced Craft certificates to the apprentices.
During his speech, Minister Byrne commended the apprentices on their dedication in completing their apprenticeship programmes and in learning valuable new skills which contribute greatly to the prosperity of the region and the country. “Apprentices develop the knowledge skills and expertise required by industry and are a pathway into a great career, and the graduates here today should be immensely proud of the choice they made.” Minister Byrne also paid tribute to the employers in embracing the apprenticeship model.

It was highlighted at the event, in 2023 over 9,000 employers are using apprenticeship to help support and grow their businesses, with over 26,000 apprentices currently completing their training nationally. Furthermore, increasing numbers of women are choosing apprenticeship and the pace of positive change is accelerating.

The apprentices graduated from over 20 subject areas including; Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry & Joinery, Wood Manufacturing & Finishing, Metal Fabrication, Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitting, Vehicle Body Repairer, Brick and Stone laying, Refrigeration Craftsperson and Heavy Vehicle Mechanic.

Speaking at the event, Dr Fiona McGrath (Chief Executive, CMETB) said:“The quality of apprenticeship training in Ireland is extraordinarily high, as is demonstrated by the increasing number of apprentices nationally and the number of businesses embracing the apprenticeship model. The National Apprenticeship Awards is a wonderful showcase of how apprenticeship training can transform the future for apprentices and businesses alike and benefit the economy in our regions.”

Apprenticeships offer an excellent opportunity to gain an internationally recognised qualification, it is delivered through a combination of on-the-job and off-the-job training that allows the apprentices to earn while they learn.
CMETB offer a range of apprenticeships and support to local employers, for more information please visit: www.cmetb.ie/apprenticeships/ or email apprenticeships@cmetb.ie Tel: 049 435 3922