Tuesday March 1st, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail Damien English officially launched the Apprenticeship Expo 2022 at Knightsbrook Hotel. The last in person apprenticeship expo was held in February 2020 and this event is attracting employers, government agencies and education partners from all over Ireland. Over 1000 candidates have already registered to attend the event on the 29th of March in Knightsbrook hotel.
The expo comes at a time when staff shortages have hit nearly every sector in Ireland as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. Ireland has entered its recovery mode after most restrictions have been eased but staffing levels remain an issue. The expo serves as an opportunity for not only employers to attract new apprenticeships but for students, parents and anyone looking to upskill to explore their options.
Minister of State Damien English: It was great to be involved in officially launching the Apprenticeship Expo in conjunction with County Meath Chamber in Trim, Co Meath.
Very much included in our road to recovery post Covid is to explore the talent that people can showcase through apprenticeship programmes. With the expansion of the available courses, apprenticeships are a firm choice for many people looking to further their education and people also enjoy the hybrid approach of working hands-on while being educated through the multitude of apprenticeship programmes that are on offer now.
Damien English TD Meath West Continues: 2021 was a record year for apprenticeship registration in Ireland and figures show the apprenticeship population has increased to 24,212 with a record 8,607 new registrations in 2021. I understand also that the numbers of female apprenticeships have risen to 1535 and I was delighted to meet Molly yesterday who is undertaking an apprenticeship with Tara Mines which she tells me she is very much enjoying. So, I congratulate County Meath Chamber on organising such an important national event to be held here in Co Meath and I encourage employers and potential future apprentices to attend the event on March 29th!
This all-Ireland event is spearheaded by County Meath Chamber in partnership with Meath County Counci, SOLAS, ETB's across Ireland, the Regional Skills Training Centre Dundalk, INTREO and various other stakeholders. Key employers including Boliden Tara Mines, Kilsaran, Kepak, Tayto Park, Dromone Engineering, Irish Country Meats, Glenveagh, P&L Group, eCOMM, CalX (Apprentice Employer of the Year) and many, many more. A full list of exhibitors are available on www.apprenticeshipexpo.ie
"The objective of the expo is to raise awareness of the variety of apprenticeships that are available in Ireland and to encourage you to take that first step to find out more. I’d like to encourage parents, students and job seekers to visit the expo and take that first step to find out more” stated Paula McCaul CEO of County Meath Chamber.
“We want to get across how valuable apprenticeships can be to students, parents and employers and show how beneficial they are to society and industry” stated John V Farrelly President County Meath Chamber.
Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr. Sean Drew said ‘As Cathaoirleach, I fully endorse and welcome the Expo, which will provide an ideal opportunity to make connections between local business and education and training providers with local young people and our future labour force. As we transition to a post-Covid situation, this Expo provides ideal opportunities for sections of society that have been most effected by the pandemic, in particular our local businesses, the education sector and young people’.
On the day, attendees can expect to visit over 70 exhibitors across several industries including Hairdressing, Accountancy firms, Insurance firms, Logistics, ICT, Biopharmachem and so much more. This will be a live interactive experience where you can speak directly to employers, current apprentices and program managers that can explain the apprenticeship journey in detail. Exhibitors will also have the chance to network with other apprenticeship providers in the Country, share contact details and collaborate on programs.
Attendees can book their free place now on Eventbrite through the following link here. More information can be found about the expo on their dedicated website here https://apprenticeshipexpo.ie/
To enquire about exhibiting at the apprenticeship expo 2022 please contact info@apprenticeshipexpo.ie
The Apprenticeship expo 2022 takes place in the Knightsbrook Hotel from 9.30am to 5pm on the 29th of March.