Software development apprentice wins ICT industry award

Sopiko Abulidze, a 33-year-old Software Development apprentice working with Meath County Council has won a top ICT industry award at Ireland’s National Apprentice of the Year Awards 2026 ceremony.

Originally from Telavi, Georgia and now living in Cellbridge, County Kildare, Sopiko was selected as one of just 17 award winners from 508 nominees nationwide. The award was presented at a ceremony in the RDS, Dublin, attended by more than 500 guests.

The award recognises the leadership, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills of apprentices like Sopiko in Ireland, and their contributions, with the award highlighting strong apprenticeship talent developing in Meath, Kildare and across Ireland.

Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Marian Harkin TD presented 17 awards, including the overall Apprentice of the Year award to Sapna Sian, a Manufacturing Technology apprentice with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care in Limerick.

Sopiko Abulidze, winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award (ICT) said: “Winning this ICT Industry Award is an incredible honour and a very proud moment for me. My Software Development Associate apprenticeship with Meath County Council has given me the opportunity to develop technical skills, apply my learnings in the workplace, and progress quickly in my career, and I am delighted to have my skills recognised with this award.”

“Apprenticeship is an exciting pathway into ICT because you can learn, contribute and build a rewarding career at the same time, and I would encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship to just go for it and you’ll never know what you can achieve.”

Speaking at the awards event, Minister Harkin said: “Apprentices are at the heart of Ireland’s skilled workforce. I wish to congratulate Sopiko on her incredible achievement, along with all 508 nominees. Their talent, commitment and skills are helping to shape Ireland’s future workforce.”

Deirdre Mc Donnell, CEO at SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland added: “Apprenticeships provide a valuable pathway to rewarding careers and help employers develop the skills they need. Congratulations to Sopiko Abulidze and all 17 award winners and every nominee on this well-deserved recognition.”

Overseen by SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, the National Apprentice of the Year Awards celebrates the finest talent across the apprenticeship system in Ireland who are building successful and rewarding career with apprenticeships.

Apprentices can be nominated by employers, training providers or anyone who knows an apprentice well. Nominees are judged on their skills and qualities in areas including leadership, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving.