Empowering the Future Workforce: Southeast Apprenticeship Graduation Strengthens Ireland’s Skills Pipeline
More than 500 apprentices from Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford celebrated their graduation on Monday at Kilkenny’s Newpark Hotel, marking a major milestone in the southeast’s workforce development agenda.
Organised by the Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB), the National Apprenticeship Graduation showcased the strategic importance of apprenticeships in building Ireland’s future talent base. The Graduates are now professionals equipped to drive innovation, leadership, and problem‑solving across industries critical to the region’s econ
This year’s cohort represents successful completion of over 18 apprenticeship programmes spanning six priority sectors—engineering, electrical, motor, construction, food, and retail. Together, they form a dynamic skills pipeline that strengthens the southeast’s competitiveness, supports local enterprise, and ensures Ireland remains agile in meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
In her address, Chief Executive Dr. Lindsay Malone said “Today we celebrate a remarkable achievement — 180 apprentices who have completed their journey and now stand as skilled craftspeople, ready to shape the future of the Southeast.
Apprenticeships are more than training programmes; they are the lifeblood of our communities and industries. They build the homes we live in, the energy that powers our towns, the innovations that drive our businesses, and the connections that keep society moving forward.
This graduation is not just a milestone for each individual, but a statement about the strength of our region. It shows that when education, employers, and communities work together, we create opportunity, resilience, and progress. Our apprentices embody grit, creativity, and ambition — qualities that Ireland needs to thrive in a changing world.
We are proud to honour their success today, and even prouder to know that their skills, dedication, and vision will continue to light the path for generations to come.”
Chair of the KCETB Board Cllr Andrea Dalton spoke to those graduating saying, “Your qualification here today is not the end of your learning, it’s the foundation for a lifetime of personal growth. The world is changing rapidly, and tradespeople are leading that change, whether that be building homes, maintaining infrastructure or powering our transition to a more sustainable economy.
Craft apprenticeships are not just about jobs; they are about nation building. Across Ireland skilled trades are the backbone of our economy; they keep our industries running, homes warm, our lights on and our infrastructure strong. Every major project from housing and transport to renewable energy depends on the expertise of people like you. As we face challenges such as climate change, housing shortages and the digital transition, the need for skilled craft people has never been greater. Apprenticeships bridge the gap between education and employment, combining theory and practice; by choosing the apprenticeship path you have not only secured a career, you have contributed to Ireland’s future”.
She concluded with “to our graduates, carry forward the pride you feel today, continue to learn and mentor others, to our employers and training partners, thank you for walking this journey with us.”
KCETB’s commitment to aligning education with industry needs underscores its role as a strategic partner in Ireland’s national skills agenda, ensuring that apprenticeships continue to deliver both opportunity for individuals and long‑term value for communities and businesses.
In attendance at the National Apprenticeship graduation ceremony were the Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins; Mayor of Carlow, Paul Doogue, Mayor of Kilkenny, John Coonan; Minister of State at the Department of Health Jennifer Murnane O’Connor; Catherine Callaghan, TD; John McGuinness, TD; Senator Malcolm Noonan; and Cllr Ben Ward.