A key part of Ireland’s National skills strategy and action plans for education is the expansion of the apprenticeship system, with the aim to increase substantially the number of new apprentices by 2020. To highlight this commitment to the apprenticeship system and the establishment of 26 new national apprenticeships, a marketing campaign was designed to promote the values of the apprenticeship model to both employers and prospective apprentices as a means of launching or developing their careers.

Part of this national campaign was the Generation apprenticeship competition, whose aim was to raise awareness and promote apprenticeships. It celebrated design and helped showcase the creative, team working and problem-solving skills of Irish apprentices. The purpose of the competition was to highlight the importance and value of apprenticeships as a route to skills development in 21st century Ireland.

Teams of apprentices were invited to design and produce a three-dimensional, six-foot (183 cm) high shape in the form of the letter ‘A’ (for apprenticeship). It was to be made out of the materials of the apprentice-teams’ own craft or industry: materials submitted included metal, stone, wood, electronics, piping, water, ceramics and culinary equipment. Each apprentice-team recorded video diaries of their work and posted updates on their progress via social media. The competition was won by a team of mechanical apprentices. Their entry used various tools of the mechanical engineering trade and incorporated a mini ecosystem which sustained a growing herb garden. The winning entry, along with a number of other finalists, was exhibited in the Arts Garden and the interior of the National College of Ireland, Dublin.

Generation apprenticeship was supported by the Department of Education and Skills, SOLAS (Further Education and Training Authority), as well the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), which are two major employers of apprentices in Ireland.

Read more:

Ministers Bruton & Halligan announce 26 new apprenticeships

Generation apprenticeship: Ireland embraces innovation with first ever Generation Apprenticeship Competition

Generation Apprenticeship Competition Exhibits on Display in National College of Ireland 6th – 30th April