Minister Lawless pictured outside Limerick and Clare ETB’s new second location for Shannon Aviation Maintenance School at Bay 88 in Shannon Industrial Estate.
Minister visits College of FET Shannon and Ennis Campuses
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD visited Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of Further Education and Training (College of FET) Shannon and Ennis Campuses recently, meeting staff and learners and getting a first-hand look at the education and training taking place across Clare.
Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment; Cathal Crowe TD, Party Spokesperson on Aviation and Logistics; Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon, Chair, Limerick and Clare ETB; James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Bernadette Cullen, Chief Executive, Limerick and Clare ETB; and Clara Cashman, Assistant Manager – Training Services, Limerick and Clare ETB.
The Minister’s visit to the region coincides with the expansion of aircraft mechanics apprenticeship training facilities in Shannon. A second training location for Shannon Aviation Maintenance School at Bay 88 in Shannon Industrial Estate is expected to welcome apprentices from next month. As part of the Government’s expansion of aviation training capacity, apprenticeship places have increased from 79 places in 2024 to up to 160 places from September 2025, reflecting growing demand for skilled aircraft maintenance professionals.
College of FET Shannon Campus
At the Shannon Campus, Minister Lawless toured the specialist facilities and heard about the aviation training being delivered there. Speaking during his visit, Minister Lawless said: “I was pleased to visit Shannon and to be joined by Minister of State Timmy Dooley TD and Cathal Crowe TD, both strong advocates for the region and local representatives for County Clare. Shannon has a long and proud connection with aviation and continues to play a central role in developing the talent that supports this important industry.”
Aviation School Training Manager, Michael Hayes showing Minister Lawless around the Shannon Campus.
Bernadette Cullen, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare ETB, welcomed Minister Lawless to the region alongside members of the ETB’s senior management team and Board.
Speaking during his visit, she said: “We were delighted to welcome Minister Lawless to our College of FET Ennis and Shannon Campuses and to give him an opportunity to see the wide range of education and training opportunities available to learners across Clare.
“From Community Education, Pathway programmes and apprenticeships in Ennis to our specialist aviation facilities and programmes in Shannon, our campuses play an important role in supporting learners and responding to the needs of employers and industry.
“Shannon has a long and proud connection with aviation, and we are very proud of the role our College of FET campus has played in developing the skills and talent needed by the sector for more than 40 years. It was a great opportunity to showcase the work of our staff and learners and the contribution our campuses make across the region.”
Minister Lawless is welcomed at Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET, Ennis Campus.
College of FET Ennis Campus
During his visit to Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET Ennis Campus, the Minister toured the recently expanded building and heard about the learner experience across a range of programmes and supports.
He learned more about Community Education across Clare, Pathway programmes supporting young people moving from school into further education and training, and apprenticeship opportunities managed by the ETB.
Cathal Crowe TD and Minister Lawless checked out the Barista Training facilities at Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET, Ennis Campus.
The Minister’s visit highlighted the important role College of FET plays in Clare, supporting learners at every stage, from young people exploring their next steps after school to adults, apprentices and those building new skills for their careers.
Minister Lawless also paid a visit to the Ennis Campus hairdressing salon where apprentices on the National Hairdressing Apprentices train.
Take a look at the highlights from the Minister’s visit here: https://instagram.com/reel/DdTkD81g4IT/?stkn=MWN3cWkxMHJxZWM1NA==