Organised by SOLAS on behalf of the national Apprenticeship Council, the competition invited teams from post-primary schools, Community Training and Youthreach to create either a physical or virtual A letter, in celebration of apprenticeship, future careers, and the global drive for sustainability and green values.

This year’s winners are: Category 1  winners – 1st place, Liberties Training Centre, Dublin, – 2nd Place Coláiste an Phiarsaigh, Cork and- 3rd Place Coláiste Eoin, Co Donegal.

Category 2  winners – 1st place Blackpool, Glen, Farranree Community Training Centre, Cork and – 2nd Place Crana College, Donegal.

The judging panel comprised senior industry leaders including: Paul Cremmins, Director, Suir Engineering, Ciaran Gormley, Director, Bennett (Construction) Ltd, and Morgan Sheehy, Director, Roadbridge.

“Huge congratulations and thanks to all the teams who entered the competition. Thanks too to the judges and industry sponsors Bennett (Construction), Suir Engineering and Roadbridge for their invaluable support” said Andrew Brownlee, Chief Executive of SOLAS. “It hasn’t been easy for students or their teachers and tutors. It is so impressive to see the teams’ creativity and passion in the most difficult of times, and so promising as we drive forward on the new apprenticeship action plan for Ireland. We will take inspiration from the practical skills of the winners and how they make the ordinary extraordinary.”

Paul Cremmins, Director in Suir Engineering, said: “The Generation Apprenticeship competition encourages learners to discover the opportunities that apprenticeship provides and to showcase their commitment to green values and sustainable futures. This is so important for Ireland, for our environment, society and economy. Many congratulations to the 2021 winners.”

Commenting on the extremely high standard of all the finalists, the judges are delighted to announce: Category 1 winners Liberties Training Centre scoop the top prize of €1000 with Coláiste an Phiarsaigh and Coláiste Eoin securing second and third place respectively. Newport College secured special mention for  their excellence in sustainability.

Morgan Sheehan, Director in Roadbridge Construction said: “I want to congratulate all of the winners. They have experimented and used waste materials to create new ways of looking at apprenticeship in Ireland. Their powerful and refreshing perspectives are a positive sounding board for industry and wider society.”

In category 2, Blackpool, Glen, Farranree Community Training Centre win the top prize of €1000 and Crana College, Donegal win second place prize.

Ciaran Gormley, Planning and Design Director in Bennett Construction Ltd and a judge in this year’s competition said: “Well done to the winners. We saw a great mix of craft, imagination and ambition in this year’s entries. As we emerge from the pandemic it is brilliant to see the work of young people who are informed, committed and understand the important role apprenticeship and the construction industry have in tackling the causes and effects of climate change.”

Pictured above: Robbie Brady, Jake Dunne and Graham Balfe with their winning entry and packaged trophy.