Capacity crowd of 1,300 attend inaugural KCETB Apprenticeship Expo in Kilkenny

Over 1300 people, including employers, potential apprentices, and their parent attended the inaugural Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) Apprenticeship Expo on January 29 at Lyrath Estate Convention Centre. 

The Expo featured a diverse showcase of over 50 stands, representing both national and local employers, all actively seeking to recruit apprentices in 2024. The diverse array of opportunities underscored the breadth of career pathways available through apprenticeship programmes. Many employers brought current apprentices to the event, which gave a real insight into the  experiences of those already  doing apprenticeships.

"The Apprenticeship Expo was designed to bring employers, potential apprentices, and parents together in a collaborative environment," said Martha Bolger, KCETB Director of Further Education and Training.

"It has served as a platform for learning, networking, and making connections for those considering apprenticeships as the starting point of their careers."  She continued, “Based on the significant appetite for the event, we plan to solidify its presence in the careers  calender by making it  an annual event.”

Key Highlights of the Inaugural Kilkenny and Carlow ETB Apprenticeship Expo:

• Fantastic attendance: Over 1,300 people attended the Expo  showing people’s keen interest in exploring the opportunities available through the  range of apprenticeships available. 
• Diverse apprenticeships on offer: More than 50 stands showcased a mix of national and local employers, creating a dynamic environment for potential apprentices to explore various industries.
• Information: Potential apprentices and parents, actively engaged with exhibitors and took advantage of the opportunity to make connections for the year ahead.

Eamon Rafter and Linda Grant, OPW National Monuments, were delighted with the event.

“It was fantastic to see such interest in apprenticeships and the Expo was really opportune for OPW as we enter into our apprenticeship recruitment campaign for 2024," she said.

Virginia Bohan, Senior Training Advisor with KCETB,  said: "We really wanted to include parents as part of this event in order to inform them on the range of apprenticeships available and to see apprenticeship as a solid career route.“ 

KCETB is committed to building bridges between education and industry, and the success of the inaugural Apprenticeship Expo reinforces its dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for aspiring apprentices and employers seeking their talents.

For further information about apprenticeships please visit www.apprenticeship.ie or www.KCETB.ie.