Main pic: An apprentice undergoing training in Donegal. Pic: Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB)
There was a 25 per cent increase last year in the number of people taking up apprenticeships in County Donegal.
According to figures obtained from the Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB), a total of 171 apprentices registered in the county in 2024.
This was an increase of 34, or 25%, on the 2023 figure. Of last year’s total, the largest number of traineeships were in construction-related programmes. The highest (64) were in the electrical trade, followed by plumbing (35) and carpentry and joinery (12). However, there was only one registration for the vital stone and bricklaying trade.
A full 2024 breakdown of apprenticeships taken up in Donegal. Credit: Donegal ETB.
Mr Vinny McGroary is the Apprenticeship Manager with Donegal ETB. Speaking to Donegal Daily this week, he said the organisation is focused on creating a ‘future-ready’ workforce to meet rising demand in all sectors.
“Donegal ETB is delighted to announce a significant 25% year-on-year increase in apprenticeship registrations within the county,” he said.
“This growth reflects the critical role of apprenticeships in addressing skills needs and supporting Donegal’s economic development. As the statutory oversight body for apprenticeships in the county, we are committed to fostering a robust framework that ensures high-quality training and career pathways for our learners.”
This achievement, Mr McGroary said, would not be possible without the ongoing support and collaboration of Donegal’s employers, who play an essential role in mentoring and equipping the next generation of skilled workers.
“Together, we are building a workforce that is future-ready and capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic and evolving economy,” he concluded.
Vinny McGroary, Donegal ETB Apprenticeship Manager.
Registrations are based on what ETB area the employer is in, and not where the apprentice lives
Nationally, there was a record number of more than 9,000 apprentice registrations in 2024.
More than 5,000 of those registered are in construction programmes, and more than 800 in construction related programmes. The record apprenticeship numbers come following a ground-breaking year in 2023, when 8,712 new registrations took place.
The first step for anyone wishing to do an apprenticeship is to find an approved employer willing to employ him/her as an apprentice. The employer then registers their apprentice with SOLAS by contacting Donegal ETB.
Information on apprenticeships is available on Donegal ETB’s website here: www.donegaletb.ie/apprenticeships
If you are interested in pursuing an apprenticeship or are an employer wishing to find out more, simply contact Donegal ETB’s Apprenticeship Services Team on 074 9120500 or email apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie
The full list of available apprenticeships in Ireland is on https://apprenticeship.ie/more/apprenticeship-directory. If you see an opportunity to suit you, contact the Apprenticeship Team who will be happy to answer all questions and explain in more detail the options available in relation to apprenticeships.
