Donegal talents and skills were celebrated at the Generation Apprenticeship ‘Apprentice of the Year’ Awards on Wednesday.
Donegal apprentices made a significant impact, securing four of the seventeen industry awards and setting a new record for the county.
The talented apprentices were recognised for their dedication in various fields, including Hairdressing, Sales and Marketing, Electrical, and Food and Hospitality.
Cudalff man, Gary McKeague, who undertook a Retail Supervision apprenticeship with Carndonagh’s Mark 2 Menswear was delighted to win an award: “I am so happy to accept this Apprentice of the Year Award in the Sales and Marketing category. I would like to say a big thank you to the team at Mark 2 Menswear for my nomination, I really enjoyed the Retail Supervision Apprenticeship, gaining a real depth of knowledge and skills that has most definitely helped me to enhance and progress in my career. It’s brilliant to bring this award home to Donegal and receive this recognition.”
Sales and Marketing Category finalist Gary McKeague who is undertaking a Retail Supervision apprenticeship with Mark 2 Menswear, Carndonagh
Letterkenny local, Nicole McGroddy, undertaking a hairdressing apprenticeship in JC Hairdressing Letterkenny scooped another top prize for Donegal in the Hairdressing Category. Commenting on her win, Nicole said: “I am so proud of my achievement as winner of an Apprentice of the Year award for Hairdressing, and I am looking forward to taking the next steps in my career. I am delighted with this award as I am so passionate about Hairdressing and putting my best work in everyday as an apprentice. Thanks to everyone at JC Hairdressing for their amazing support!”
Letterkenny’s Nicole McGroddy at the National Apprentice of the Year Awards
Mountcharles man Freddie Cullen, undertaking a Commis Chef apprenticeship with The Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare, Limerick scooped a top award in the Food and Hospitality Category.
Lettermacaward native Shaun Rodgers undertaking an Electrical apprenticeship with Mooney Boats Ltd, Killybegs, Donegal also won a top Award showcasing the wealth of diverse talent that exists in Donegal.
Gary, Nicole and Shaun are all apprentices of the Donegal Education and Training Board.
Coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Office, the Apprentice of the Year Awards are now in their third year of celebrations.
Nominees faced tough competition with a doubling of nominations, and record number 400 outstanding apprentices nominated for the prestigious awards this year. Growing in popularity year-on-year, the Awards celebrate outstanding apprentice talent that exists across 70+ Generation Apprenticeship training programmes in every region in Ireland.