Tá an oibríocht seo á comhchistiú ag Rialtas na hÉireann agus ag an Aontas Eorpach
This operation is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union
Rialtas na hEireann Government of Ireland
Cómhaoinithe ag an Aontas Eorpach
Tá an oibríocht seo á comhchistiú ag Rialtas na hÉireann agus ag an Aontas Eorpach
This operation is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union

KCETB Careers in Apprenticeship Expo Established as a Firm Annual Fixture in Education and Training Calendar

KCETB Careers in Apprenticeship Expo Established as a Firm Annual Fixture in Education and Training Calendar

On Thursday, 29 January, Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) held its 3rd annual Careers in Apprenticeship Expo, in Carlow Institute of Further Education and Training.

It is clear that the fully subscribed event has become a calendar highlight for potential apprentices along with their families, eager to explore the diverse opportunities available to them.

With over 50 exhibitors representing a mix of local and national employers, all actively recruiting apprentices for the upcoming year, attendees had the opportunity to engage with them, learn about available programmes and what life is like as an apprentice.

With working apprentices standing alongside their employers, those in attendance were positioned well to gain first-hand insights from current apprentices about their experiences in different industries.

Apprentice Expo 2026
Director of Further Education and Training, Martha Bolger, KCETB Chief Executive Dr. Lindsay Malone, KCETB Training Services Manager Melinda Niland, Assistant Training Services Manager Gillian Ryan and Principal at Carlow Institute of Further Education and Training David Forde

The KCETB Careers in Apprenticeship Expo provides a platform for connecting local talent with regional employers. By bringing businesses, educators, and jobseekers together under one roof, the Expo supports economic growth and ensures that the Southeast continues to thrive as a hub of opportunity and innovation.

Martha Bolger, Director of Further Education and Training at KCETB, reflected on the event’s success, saying, “KCETB was delighted to host its Annual Apprenticeship at its Carlow Campus on 29ú January last. The variety and diversity of employers seeking apprentices was evident at the event with National Employers recruiting for many traditional trades. Nearly 1000 young people braved the weather to learn more about how an apprenticeship can be a wonderful, rewarding career.”

Melinda Niland, Training Services Manager with KCETB, said, “The third Apprenticeship Expo was a huge success, with an excellent turnout from both employers and members of the public. It was fantastic to see so many meaningful conversations taking place throughout the day, highlighting the real opportunities apprenticeships offer. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by employers reinforces the strong demand for skilled apprentices now and into the future.”

KCETB continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing high-quality training pathways that meet the needs of the workforce and support industries in both Kilkenny and Carlow. With a strong focus on creating career opportunities for young people, the Careers in Apprenticeship Expo has firmly established itself as a key event in the region’s education and training calendar.

For more information on apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeship.ie or www.KCETB.ie.

 

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