IGC Presents to Oireachtas –
AV Leinster House 20th March 2024
IGC Vice President Catriona Rodgers, National Executive Representative Theresa Burke Midlands Branch and National Executive Representative Diarmid Finnegan South Dublin & Wicklow Branch, presented on Apprenticeships Pathways in the AV room in Leinster House. Senator Roisin Garvey invited the IGC to share the perspective of guidance counsellors working with learners across the lifespan and their experiences with apprenticeships. SOLAS CEO Andrew Brownlee, Director of Communications and Branding and FET strategy implementation Maria Walshe and Director of Apprenticeships Con Ferry presented on the opportunities for learners in FET in particular traineeships and apprenticeships. Please find a copy of both presentations below.
SOLAS has shared the survey they distributed at our National Conference in Kerry this year. It is designed to gather feedback from Guidance Counsellors regarding information on apprenticeship and what can be designed or improved to make the process of giving information to students/ learners a smoother process. Here is the link to the survey.
The IGC welcomes the opportunity to build on the strong links between the two organisations. If any member would like to get involved or has a particular insight on apprenticeships, please email vpres@igc.ie
Apprenticeship Appreciation Day
St Caimin’s Community School hosted their second Appreciating Apprenticeship Day on Tuesday March 19th 2024 from 9am -4pm. Approximately 40 6th year students signed up for the event. We invited Minister Simon Harris, but he was unable to attend. Instead, he sent a lovely video for students. Please see
link https://fb.watch/qVwHqRbFyZ/
Guidance counsellor, Fiona Christie, took the morning session. I covered the following: The two models of apprenticeships currently in Ireland, statistics re
apprenticeship numbers 2014 to 2024, myths & debunking in relation to apprenticeships, Criteria for Success Checklist for securing an apprenticeship,
school padlet on apprenticeships, traineeships explained; why they are important & using CAT 4 to inform career related decisions. We invited local companies Atlantic Aviation, Johnson & Johnson, Ryan Air & Shannon Precision Engineering to speak to 6th year students about apprenticeship & traineeship opportunities. In addition TUS came & spoke about the new fully funded Access to Apprenticeship programme now available at the Limerick campus.
The afternoon saw a shift in focus with Anna Gorecka speaking about the Logistics Associate & Commercial Driving Apprenticeships. The day was very busy but very informative & students and parents were very appreciative of the event.
IGC Presentation:
IGC Apprenticeships Presentation AV Room Leinster House March 20th
Solas Presentations:
Solas AV Room Final presentation
Solas & National Apprenticeship Office Presentation
