Minister Harkin shines spotlight on apprenticeship opportunities for young women in the West at Mercy College Sligo

Apprenticeships/12.10.2026

Students and staff from Mercy College Sligo were delighted to welcome Minister of State with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin to their school recently, to champion apprenticeships as part of SOLAS’ ‘Women Shaking Up the Future’ campaign, for an event which aims to position apprenticeships as a first-choice learning pathway for young women.

The special event was held in Mercy College Sligo on Monday, 05 October 2026 to mark SOLAS, the further education and training authority’s ‘Facts, Faces, Futures’ initiative, which is working with partners to move the dial on female participation and building inclusion into the apprenticeship system.

Minister Harkin was joined at the event by Katelyn Cummins, an electrical apprentice and Rose of Tralee 2025, and Emily Callaghan, a craft butcher apprentice, who shared their experiences with students and showcased the wide range of opportunities available into to successful careers through apprenticeships. Continued collaboration with education providers such as Mercy College Sligo, and industry is key to highlighting the apprenticeship route as a rewarding career pathway to young women and all groups across the country.

Commenting on the event, Minister of State with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin said:

“Returning to Mercy College, in the community where I taught for 23 years, to put the spotlight on apprenticeships, is especially meaningful to me. We are deeply committed to creating pathways for all young people to pursue a fulfilling future, regardless of their background. By changing outdated perceptions of apprenticeships and helping more young women and people from underrepresented groups to see themselves building successful careers through this route, we are fostering a more inclusive apprenticeship system. Together, in communities here in Sligo and across the country, we are giving young women the opportunities to shape Ireland’s workforce and drive progress in every industry.”

Katelyn Cummins, Rose of Tralee 2025 and electrical apprentice, added: 

“It was fantastic to visit Mercy College Sligo today to share my experience of my electrical apprenticeship and meet students who are considering their next steps. As a woman working in a skilled trade, I want to show that apprenticeships can open the door to rewarding careers and encourage more young women to explore the opportunities available to them.”

“My apprenticeship has given me valuable skills, experience and a career I truly enjoy. Apprenticeships are for everyone, and I hope more young women will consider them when planning their future.”

 Anne Gorby, Principal of Mercy College Sligo concluded: 

“We were delighted to welcome Minister Harkin, and two outstanding role models, Katelyn and Anne to Mercy College Sligo today to speak with our students about the rewarding career opportunities that come with apprenticeships. Events such as this are particularly valuable in encouraging more young women to consider apprenticeship careers. We have seen a number of past students thrive in this route, and we are dedicated to championing apprenticeships as a valuable option for our students.”

Discover some more of highlights from the Women Shaking Up the Future event at Mercy College Sligo here.

Find out more about 89 national apprenticeships and opportunities for both women and men with apprenticeship careers now at www.apprenticeship.ie.