Trading places — not all learning is at a desk
WITH a shortage of skilled trades people in Ireland, many young people have turned their focus to doing an apprenticeship, knowing it will likely lead to good wages and secure employment.
The Tuam Herald recently gained access to the various workshops run by the Galway Roscommon Training and Education Board (GRETB) in Galway City, where the next generation of tradespeople were being trained.
An apprenticeship is broken into seven phases, some of which are spent working on site with an employer, the others here in the GRETB classrooms and workshops. However, while there might not be as many exams as third-level college, apprentices must sit exams at each stage, even those spent working, while some involve time in college too.
From 7am to 4pm, Monday to Friday apprentices come into the centre full of energy, all eager to learn the skills required to become electricians, plumbers, mechanics, carpenters and welders.
Given they earn a wage while training it was easy to see why, it's not something given to those studying courses just a few minutes away in ATU Galway or the University of Galway.
The first stop on this tour was to one of the 12 electrical workshops to meet Niamh O’Dowd, a Dunmore woman who is currently employed by the ESB.
The 25-year-old took a unique path on her way to pursuing an apprenticeship. Coming from a farming background, initially she stayed in the family business by completing her Green Cert in 2018, before tackling a business course a few years later.
Covid-19 meant she was unable to complete the course, something that ended up being a blessing in disguise as it led to her working with the ESB.
Last year’s Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins, herself a trainee electrician, proved that this was no longer a sector just for men. Niamh is enjoying every moment of her course, which contrary to popular belief features plenty of women.
“All the women here came after getting opportunities with the ESB. It is great to see more women getting into this type of work,” Niamh told The Tuam Herald.
“If a man can do this work, a woman can do it at least ten times better. It might be a male dominated world, but there is plenty of opportunity for girls too, who will be treated just the same.”
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