We were delighted to attend the announcement by Minister Simon Harris today of a new Apprentice Training Centre at its location on the Donore Road, Drogheda.
Speaking at the announcement Minister Harris said “We know we need a lot more apprentices in Ireland, we know that we have a skills shortage, we estimate that we need an extra 50,000 people to work in trades by 2030. To do that we need to have the capacity to train more people in trades. That’s why I am delighted to be here, in the Prism Building in Drogheda, to confirm that this will be an Apprentice Training Centre of Excellence. This will mean people in Drogheda will no longer have to travel to do their apprentice training and indeed people will travel to Drogheda to do their training. It is a gamechanger, a multimillion euro investment that will really put Drogheda on the map when it comes to training.”
Martin O’Brien, Chief Executive of LMETB and member of the Drogheda Implementation Board said “LMETB provide innovative solutions to training needs in our area. We are also very aware of the education and training provision recommendations for Drogheda made in the Geiran Report. We are delighted that SOLAS have approved funding to establish a new Electrical Apprenticeship facility in the town. This will mean that over 360 apprentices per year will receive their workshop-based training in Drogheda over a four-year period.”
Michael Keogh, Chair of the Drogheda Implementation Board commented “Access to apprenticeships, along with other educational and training opportunities, have a key role to play in providing pathways to sustainable employment for young people in Drogheda. We want to acknowledge and recognise the initiative and vision of Martin O’Brien, CEO and his team in LMETB in successfully securing funding to locate their new electrical apprentice training centre in Drogheda. This is a real example of the commitment of LMETB to the work of the Drogheda Implementation Board. Not only will this draw new people to Drogheda, it will also provide training opportunities for local apprentices in their own town.”
