We interviewed Jo Cahalin, Manager – Building Future Skills at Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI). ETBI has been an EAfA member since August 2019. They are the national representative body for Ireland’s 16 regional Education and Training Boards. We asked Jo to tell us more about why ETBI became an EAfA member, their achievements, and how they have benefited from their EAfA membership. 

How did you first hear about EAfA and why did you decide to submit a pledge? 

We first heard about EAfA through colleagues in the National Society of Apprentices [NSoA] UK. We decided to submit a pledge because we wanted to give Irish apprentices the opportunity to connect with their European peers and explore how apprenticeships are delivered in other countries. 

Can you provide a short overview of your pledge? 

As part of our pledge, we are committed to supporting Education and Training Boards (ETBs) in the development and quality assurance of new apprenticeships.  

Our  goal is to enrich the overall quality and experience of on-the-job training for both employers and apprentices. We’re dedicated to expanding ETBs provision in existing fields such as commis chef, auctioneering, property services and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) engineering. 

We are also taking steps to raise awareness and elevate the perception of apprenticeships among essential stakeholders, including employers, parents, schools and potential apprentices. We do this by organising engaging events that showcase the value of apprenticeship programmes. 

Between 2019 and 2023, the ETBs launched five fresh apprenticeship opportunities in spanning sales, hairdressing, arboriculture, scaffolding and wind turbine maintenance. One of our most recent projects is the development of a representative body for apprentices in Ireland. 

As of 31 May 2023, there are  67 programmes and work together with 8,772 apprentice employers. In total, we have 25,569 apprentices which includes 1,837 women apprentices. 

Since submitting a pledge, what EAfA-organised activities has the ETBI undertaken to achieve the EAfA objectives in their pledge? 

One accomplishment was the organisation and hosting of the first meeting of an Apprenticeship Representative Body in Dublin on 26 April 2023. This event marked a significant milestone where Irish apprentices were carefully chosen to represent our country at EAfA meetings held in Brussels. 

At the EAfA meetings, the apprentices were most interested in learning about the diverse terms and conditions of apprenticeships in other countries.  

Another important meeting took place on 7 and 8 October 2023 in Belfast, which brought together members of the National Society of Apprentices [NSoA] Scotland, NSoA Northern Ireland and NSoA Ireland. We are also currently in the process of formalising an Apprentices’ Representative Body group in Ireland. 

What opportunities has your organisation taken to contribute to EAfA activities? 

We have been maintaining consistent and productive interactions with the Union of Students of Ireland as well as the NSoA UK and NSoA Northern Ireland. This has helped us advance apprentice engagement and amplify the learner voice, which aligns with the core objectives and mission of EAfA. 

Can you describe what type of apprenticeships ETBI offers? 

ETB apprenticeships cover a broad range of types, from traditional construction-based apprenticeships to contemporary and specialised domains, from craft butchery, commis chef and hairdressing to wind turbine maintenance. You can learn more on apprenticeship.ie. 

What is the most important benefit offered by EAfA? 

The most significant advantage that EAfA offers is the invaluable opportunity for apprentices to develop their leadership skills and grow as people. They have the chance to represent their peers and country, acting as ambassadors for the apprenticeship community also through the European Apprentices Network (EAN). They can also interact with their counterparts in other EU countries.  

Do you have any standout stories to share about apprentices who have successfully completed an apprenticeship? 

We have some remarkable success stories of women breaking barriers by excelling in male-dominated fields such as crane operation and electrical work. 

For example, watch our video featuring Asha Doris, apprentice electrician based at Baldoyle Training Centre, who shared what inspired her to undertake an apprenticeship: 

Why should other organisations join EAfA and submit a pledge?  

By becoming part of EAfA, organisations gain the chance to significantly enhance the development of their apprentices. EAfA membership allows their apprentices to not only develop their skills but also to embark on a journey of personal growth and peer-to-peer learning.  

They can also enable their apprentices to harness their critical thinking abilities to evaluate and compare apprenticeship training systems across Europe. 

Has Education and Training Boards Ireland's story inspired you to learn more about submitting a EAfA pledge? Find out how you can start your journey to becoming a EAfA member on our EAfA Membership and Pledges webpage.