The National Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony for Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and Kerry Education and Training Board took place recently at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Limerick, celebrating the achievements of Ireland’s newest generation of qualified apprentices.
Apprentices from a wide range of disciplines were recognised, including Aircraft and Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry and Joinery, Construction Plant Fitting, Electrical, Hairdressing, Metal Fabrication, Motor Mechanics, Pipefitting, Plumbing, and Stonemasonry which were among the many areas recognised on the day.
Claire Dalton, Emma Gaffney and Megan Brogan graduates from the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship.
The 2025 ceremony was a proud celebration of skill, dedication, and ambition, underlining the vital role apprenticeships play in shaping Ireland’s future workforce. Reflecting on the day Bernadette Cullen, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board said: “Today’s apprenticeship graduates represent so much more than technical skills, they show ambition, determination, and the confidence to build our future here in Ireland. Apprenticeships open doors for people combining on and off the job learning opportunities in partnership with employers and the economy’s requirements which strengthens both our workplaces and our communities. When we invest in people and support their potential, we’re investing in the long-term success of this region and the country as a whole and today’s graduates are living proof of that.”
Among this year’s graduates was Apprentice of the Year winner Kevin Clohessy, an Electrical Apprentice from Clare, who recently represented Limerick and Clare ETB at the national competition in Dublin’s Mansion House. Kevin was one of 12 award winners to receive a prestigious ‘Apprentice of the Year’ Industry Award, selected from over 330 nominations nationwide.
Apprentice of The Year winner Kevin Clohessy who graduated from his Electrical Apprenticeship pictured with guest speaker Owen Mansell, Apprenticeship Supervisor with ESB Networks.
The Apprentice of the Year nominees showcase exceptional talent and skills from across Ireland, spanning 78 apprenticeship programmes. The awards also highlight the vital economic and social contribution of the 30,000 apprentices currently training in the country.
Speaking about his award, Kevin described it as a truly special moment. He expressed heartfelt thanks to the Kirby Group team for their ongoing support, calling the recognition one of the highlights of his career.
Kevin’s success reflects the strength of the electrical apprenticeship tradition, one shared by this year’s graduation ceremony guest speaker Owen Mansell, who also started out as an electrical apprentice before advancing to senior roles within ESB Networks. His own journey offered graduates a real-world example of where their own skills can take them. Owen completed his own apprenticeship in 2007. Since then, he has built a successful career across several key operational and leadership roles and, as Apprenticeship Supervisor, continues to inspire apprentices throughout Southern Ireland.
Darragh Casey, Alana O’Brien and Padraig Browne who all graduated from the Aircraft Mechanics Apprenticeship.
Owen shared his career story with the audience and congratulated the newly qualified apprentices, urging them to continue learning and to view their achievement as the first step in a lifelong career.“This is your big moment,” he said. “You’ve put in the hard work, and today you see the results.” He also encouraged them not to shy away from challenges, reminding them that stepping beyond their comfort zone always leads to growth, whether through success or the lessons learned from setbacks.
Bernadette Cullen, Chief Executive Limerick and Clare ETB and Paul Patton, Director of Further Education and Training congratulating Plumbing Apprentice and World Skills competitor Paul Buston (centre) on his graduation.
Another example of the talent emerging from the region this year is Paul Buston from Patrickswell, Limerick, who competed at last year’s WorldSkills Ireland competition. WorldSkills Ireland is the country’s leading event for promoting skills, apprenticeship careers, and workplace opportunities for young people, with over 170 finalists going head-to-head across areas such as automation, engineering, construction, ICT and culinary arts, among others. Paul took part in the Plumbing and Heating category at the prestigious event, a standout highlight in his apprenticeship journey.
NHA Apprentices Niamh Morgan, Lucy Earls, Emma Gaffney and Megan Brodigan pictured celebrating with their proud instructor Claire DeLap.
This year’s graduation ceremony highlighted once again the vital role apprenticeships play in Ireland’s economic and social life, as well as the importance of a strong apprenticeship system and the support of local ETBs. For this year’s graduates, it marked the start of the next stage in their careers, armed with valuable skills, industry guidance, and the confidence to grow. As the ceremony drew to a close, graduates ended the day celebrating their achievements with the family and friends who have supported them every step of the way.
For more information on apprenticeships at Limerick and Clare ETB go to https://collegeoffet.ie/apprenticeships
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