‘Women Shaking Up the Future’ Apprenticeship Campaign Launched by Minister Harkin

Apprenticeships/12.05.2026

Women Are Shaking Up the Future of Apprenticeship, empowering the next generation of young women in Ireland to build successful careers with Apprenticeship.

Empowering the next generation of young women in Ireland’s workforce, Marian Harkin TD, Minister of State in collaboration with the National Apprenticeship Office and Electrical apprentice and Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins, have launched the national ‘Women Shaking Up the Future’ campaign at Maryfield College in North Dublin to put an important spotlight on female apprentices, and to encourage more women to fulfil their potential with Apprenticeships across 80+ career programmes.

Launched under the Facts, Faces, Futures Initiative, the ‘Women Shaking Up the Future’ campaign aims to position apprenticeships as a first-choice post-secondary career option for young women, highlighting their value as accessible and impactful pathways to finding successful careers across a wide range of fields, from engineering and construction to technology and beyond.

A special event was hosted by students and teaching staff at Maryfield College, Drumcondra, an all-girls secondary school dedicated to broadening their students’ understanding of all available post-secondary options, where Katelyn Cummins, Minister Harkin and National Apprenticeship Office colleagues showcased some of the vast opportunities open to women considering careers with apprenticeships.

By championing initiatives like ‘Women Shaking Up the Future,’ Maryfield College and secondary schools across Ireland are continuing to empower their students to explore diverse career pathways beyond traditional routes

Commenting at the launch, Marian Harkin TD, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science said:

"I am dedicated to creating pathways that empower every young person. By challenging outdated perceptions and actively encouraging women, young people, and underrepresented groups, fostering a more inclusive apprenticeship system. Through commitment to inclusion, we are not just opening doors, we are enabling young women to help shape the future of Ireland's workforce and drive progress across all industries."

Con Ferry, Director of Apprenticeships at SOLAS, the further education and training authority added

 "Apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as a valuable pathway for all school leavers. With over 80 programs nationwide, apprenticeships provide rewarding career opportunities across a wide range of industries.

“We are deeply committed to building inclusion into the apprenticeship system. Continued collaboration with education providers such as Maryfield College, and industry is key to highlighting the apprenticeship route as a dynamic and rewarding career pathway to young women and underrepresented groups across the country.”

 Katelyn Cummins, Rose of Tralee 2025 and electrical apprentice, concluded

 “I'm proud to prove that women can excel in skilled trades to shape Ireland's future. Visiting Maryfield College has been a great way to encourage more young women to explore apprenticeships after school.

 “I would encourage all school leavers to do what makes you happy, whether that's an apprenticeship, a PLC course or university. I couldn’t be happier with my apprenticeship, it’s a great career pathway and whether you’re a woman or a man, you can still do it no matter what."

There are now more than 3000 women apprentices, building bright futures as Laboratory Technicians, Engineers, Electricians, Hairdressers, Insurance Practictioners and much more across 80 Generation Apprenticeship career programmes. Find out more about the Facts, Faces and Futures campaign and explore 80+ Apprenticeship pathways for women now at apprenticeship.ie