The Apprenticeship Expo was recently held in the Knightsborook Hotel in Trim and has grown since its first outing in 2020. With over 90 exhibitors on the day and representatives from all 72 apprenticeships, this event is the one of the biggest apprenticeship events in the country. There were over 4,000 attendees registered across different time slots, from all over Meath, Louth and Westmeath, Dublin, Kildare, Cavan, and Monaghan. County Meath Chambers Apprenticeship Expo is proving year on year to be the place to go to understand Apprenticeships!
Attendees visited over 90 exhibitors across several industries including Hairdressing, Accountancy firms, Insurance firms, Logistics, ICT, Biopharmachem and so much more. They had an opportunity to speak directly to employers, current apprentices and program managers who explained the apprenticeship journey in detail. Exhibitors also had the chance to network with other businesses and with apprenticeship providers in the Country, to share their contact details and to collaborate on programs.
Coming at a time when staff shortages have hit nearly every sector in Ireland the apprenticeship expo served as an opportunity for not only employers to attract new apprenticeships but for students, parents and anyone looking to upskill to explore their options. 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.
Educators from various institutes around the country were on hand to give career advice and CV-clinics were made available to all attendees. Speaker sessions and panel discussions were executed every half hour and more than 30 voices including employers, apprentices and educational experts were on stage to share their experience. Subject matter experts were on hand from SOLAS, the new National Apprenticeship Office, Education and Training Board and the RSTC Dundalk with their advice.
Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr. Tommy Reilly said ‘As Cathaoirleach, I fully endorse and welcome this year’s Apprenticeship Expo. This is a perfect example of partnership in action. The Expo provides a wonderful opportunity for training and educational providers to connect with potential apprentices in this region’.
Andrew Magee from the Regional Skills and Training Centre said ‘LMETB are once again delighted to work in partnership with Meath Chamber to support the 5th Apprenticeship Expo, the perfect opportunities to advertise the different options that are available and informs the next generation about the wide array of apprenticeship programs available. We can show how those age-old programs cans still provide a worthwhile and rewarding career for people. Apprenticeship is for everyone. ‘
‘The Apprenticeship Expo has become a significant event in our annual Chamber calendar, a platform to showcase apprenticeship employment opportunity in the county and, in a time when staff shortages plague nearly every sector in Ireland, the Apprenticeship Expo is a commitment from County Meath Chamber to support local employers in finding and nurturing talent so that they can continue to grow their businesses and to thrive and strive in Meath’ stated Paula McCaul CEO of County Meath Chamber.
‘Apprenticeship is the recognised means by which people are trained to become craftspeople in Ireland. The combination of alternating phases of on-the-job and off-the-job training provides an opportunity to get a recognised qualification while at the same time gaining on-the-job experience. This is a superb event and not one to be missed’ stated Michael Hughes President County Meath Chamber.
The Apprenticeship Expo is organised and managed by County Meath Chamber in collaboration with, LMETB, Meath County Council, Regional Skills Training Centre Dundalk, SOLAS, INTREO and Regional Skills Mid East, North East & Dublin.
Save the date: The 2025 Apprenticeship Expo will take place on Thursday 27th March 2025