Apprentice of the Year award for Kilmainhamwood man

Agriculture mechanic apprentice Kaylem Russell from Kilmainhamwood won a top award at the first independently judged Generation Apprenticeship - Apprentice of the Year Awards, at the Mansion House on Tuesday night.

Kaylem, who works as an apprentice agriculture mechanic with E Finnegan and Sons was presented with the award by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, TD. Just 12 awards were presented out of 187 nominees which came from every county in Ireland.

The inaugural Apprentice of the Year Awards ceremony were held on 25th October in the Round Room of the Mansion House in 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.

A son of Robert and Denise Russel, Kaylem received a finalist’s award in recognition of the contributions he has made as an outstanding apprentice with E. 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, Kaylem Russell said: “It’s an honour to be nominated for Apprentice of the Year. Many thanks to LMETB, Waterford College and Finnegan's for their encouragement and belief. I really appreciate it."

Minister Harris said: “I want to congratulate everyone involved and nominated in the Apprentice of the Year Awards, and to Kaylem on his finalist’s award, and 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.”

He 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."