Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (ETB) recently hosted the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship 2025 Capstone Event at the Inn at Dromoland, giving apprentices the opportunity to showcase their final masterpieces and celebrate the culmination of their three-year apprenticeship journey.
The event marked a major milestone for apprentices completing their third and final year of training with Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET, highlighting their dedication, creativity, and technical mastery. Apprentices from across the Ennis and Raheen campuses unveiled fantasy-inspired up-styles, reflecting the culmination of everything they had learned over the course of their apprenticeship.
Model Liz Tye modelling a Junk Kouture inspired look created by Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year and World Skills winner Emma Grant.
Among this year’s exceptional participants was Emma Grant (22) from Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary. Emma works at Ní Ríain Hair Salon in Thurles while training at Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET, Raheen Campus. Emma achieved two remarkable milestones in 2025: she was named Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year at the Mansion House in Dublin and also won in the Hairdressing category at WorldSkills Ireland, earning the opportunity to represent Ireland at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in September 2026, a prestigious international event showcasing the best young talent worldwide.
Emma pictured with her fellow Hairdressing Apprentices from Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET, Raheen Campus.
At the Capstone event, Emma who is mentored by Denise Ryan went with a Junk Kouture-inspired look, modelled by Liz Tye, which was created using sustainable and recycled elements, highlighting both her creativity and environmental awareness. She capped off an incredible year by showcasing her skills at the Capstone, showing why she is regarded one of Ireland’s most talented emerging hairdressers.
Models for this year’s Raheen Campus showcasing some stunning designs at the final Capstone event at the Inn at Dromoland.
Another inspiring apprentice who featured at this year’s capstone event was Lynda Curran (40) from Spiddal, Co. Galway. Lynda works at Sioda Hair and Beauty while training at Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET, Ennis Campus. Returning to education after raising her family, she balanced supporting two teenagers through Junior and Leaving Certificate exams with completing her own coursework.
Leah Curran proudly modelling an ethereal inspired look for the Capstone event which was created by her mother Lynda Curran.
Lynda’s Ethereal-themed capstone look was modelled by her daughter, Leah, making the moment even more special. Mentored by Laura O’Donnell, Lynda’s journey exemplifies determination, resilience, and the fact that apprenticeships can be achieved at any stage in life. She hopes to open her own salon in the future, building on the skills, experience and support she gained through her apprenticeship.
Lynda pictured with her fellow hairdressing Apprentices from Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET, Ennis Campus with NHA Hairdressing instructor Claire Delap (centre).
The Capstone event featured bold and imaginative designs ranging from Vampire to Greek Goddess, with each presentation demonstrating technical mastery, creativity, adaptability, and vision, the core competencies the hairdressing apprentices developed throughout their apprenticeship. At the event there were also presented with Certificates of Achievement, recognising their skill, imagination, and commitment over the past three years.
Models for this year’s Ennis Campus showcasing some standout designs at the final Capstone event at the Inn at Dromoland.
The success of this year’s showcase was made possible by the mentorship and guidance of staff from both the Ennis and Raheen campuses, who provided a perfect platform for apprentices to shine.
This year’s Capstone event showcased that the future of Irish hairdressing is in skilled and creative hands, with these apprentices ready to set new standards in the industry.
For more information on the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship check out https://hairdressingapprenticeship.ie
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