John Webster, commis chef apprentice at House of Plates, Castlebar, pictured with Minister Simon Harris.

First ever ‘Apprentice of the Year Awards’ sees Mayo man scoop Top Finalist prize

Mayo-native John Webster, commis chef at House of Plates in Castlebar, has been awarded a Top Finalist prize at the first-ever independently judged Generation Apprenticeship Apprentice of the Year Awards, overseen by the National Apprenticeship Office.

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, presented the awards to 12 exceptional finalists out of 187 nominees from every county in Ireland.

The inaugural Apprentice of the Year Awards ceremony was held yesterday (Tuesday) in the Round Room of the Mansion House, Dublin, where 500 guests from across the apprenticeship system, including employers, educators, apprentices and their families, gathered to celebrate the outstanding contributions and achievements made by Ireland’s 25,000-strong apprentice community.

Mayo native John received his award in recognition of the outstanding contributions he has made as an outstanding apprentice.

Apprentices were nominated by their employer or educational partner, and judged on four essential categories: leadership, teamwork, creativity, and problem solving.

Speaking on his nomination, John said: “This apprenticeship has not only allowed me to learn from some of the best in the business, but it has given me drive, confidence and ability to travel worldwide and make my dreams a reality.”

Minister Harris commented: “I want to congratulate everyone involved and nominated in the Apprentice of the Year Awards. Congratulations to all on their hard work and commitment to their apprenticeship. I’d also like to thank their employers, educators and families for their ongoing support. I look forward to many more years of celebrating success through the Apprentice of the Year Awards.”

The minister added: “Apprenticeship is a vital lever for the continued economic prosperity of this country. It not only unlocks the skills and expertise necessary for leading Irish businesses, but also will help us to achieve critical aims in the programme for government, including on housing.

“This is a really exciting time for apprenticeships and tonight is a chance to celebrate our apprentices and the businesses who have taken them on. I would encourage anyone to consider an apprenticeship. This is third-level education and you can earn as you learn. It is time to get involved and help us build the next generation of apprentices.”

Dr. Mary-Liz Trant, director of the National Apprenticeship Office, said: “It is clear from the many, many talented and dynamic nominees in the first ever Apprentice of the Year Awards tonight that the conversation around apprenticeship is changing. Apprenticeship is a pathway into a great career, and a choice that both apprentices and businesses can be very proud of taking.

“I’d like to thank all of the apprentices, businesses and families here this evening – and also thank our independent expert judging panel for all their hard work in making some very tough choices.”