GENERATION APPRENTICESHIP COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Generation Apprenticeship competition has been running since 2018 and combines the efforts of hundreds of apprentices, tutors, employers, SOLAS, the competition sponsors the ESB and the CIF and industry representatives to enhance national awareness of the skills and careers available through the apprentice route and to build new generations of talent. Participating schools were provided with a Generation Apprenticeship Toolbox and students were tasked with using the resources supplied in the toolbox to build a letter A from materials otherwise destined for landfill. In doing so, they were expected to bring their perspectives on issues of sustainability to life. The competition consisted of a two phase process. Firstly, a small group of SOLAS Regional Forum Managers shortlisted 13 schools to participate in the final, which was intended to be a ‘live’ contest last April, judged by the industry panel, including Ian Barrett, Communications & Industrial Relations Manager with Walls. However, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, judging was completed remotely and in a very competitive process Wicklow Youthreach were the deserving winners (2nd level) and took the top prize of €1,500. Discovery Centre (Woodwork & Trades) Dublin were the highly commended runners up with St. Nathy’s College, Roscommon and Bridgetown College, Wexford in joint 3rd place. We were delighted to be involved in this years competition, the quality of entries was excellent and congratulations are due to everyone involved.