Talented learners showcasing creativity & green skills scoop top prizes in Generation Apprenticeship Schools & Centres Competition 2025

Apprenticeships/30.05.2025

The National Apprenticeship Office, supported by SOLAS, is proud to announce four exceptional award winners of the Generation Apprenticeship Schools and Centres competition 2024 – 2025, representing the nation’s next generation of talent who showcase creativity, innovation and green skills, and the value of Apprenticeship.

Organised by the National Apprenticeship Office, the competition challenges young people to learn about the range of exciting and diverse apprenticeship opportunities on offer across 77 national programmes, and to demonstrate how future careers with apprenticeship can champion green values and a sustainable future for all.

The winning entries of the Generation Apprenticeship Schools and Centres Competition 2024 – 2025 are:

• Build Category: Daniel Alexander Shebela, student at St. Augustine’s College, Dungarven, Waterford

• Podcast Category: Ashlee McGuinness, student at Sancta Maria College, Rathfarnham, Dublin

• Runner Up Category: Adam Leahy and Alessio Mezzepelle, students of Mountmellick YouthReach, Laois

As part of the 2025 Generation Apprenticeship Competition, individual students or teams were challenged to create either a physical or virtual 'A' letter, or to submit an apprenticeship podcast that demonstrates how apprenticeships support positive climate action and stands as a great twenty-first century career route for people, particularly for young people with strong green values.

The competition, which received entries from across the island of Ireland, encourages students to think about the everyday choices we make that can impact the environment, the climate and the world around us, and how our individual actions matter, to ensure a sustainable future for all.

Daniel Alexander Shebela of St Augustine’s College and Adam Leahy and Alessio Mezzepelle of Mountmellick Youthreach received awards in the design category, where learners created a physical or virtual letter ‘A’ to showcase the potential they see in the apprenticeship route to learning, qualifications and careers. Daniel also got the opportunity to have his award winning project turned into an animation which you can see in the video below.

Commenting on his award-winning project, Daniel said: “I focused my entry on marine apprenticeships because I believe the ocean needs us now more than ever. Climate change is hurting sea life, polluting our waters, and damaging ecosystems we all depend on. I wanted to show the importance of taking care of the sea, and how young people like us can be part of that change.” “There are so many exciting jobs out there that protect the ocean, from marine biology to diving, ocean engineering, and even ship building. These careers are powerful, and they start with learning and doing, not just talking. My ‘A’ is also a symbol for Action - to inspire others to explore ocean careers and become protectors of our planet’s future.”

Ashlee McGuinness, a student of Sancta Maria College in Rathfarnham was delighted to hear that she won a top prize in the podcast category, where she successfully demonstrated how the electrical industry can embrace sustainability by repurposing materials, reflective of the positive green values of electrical apprenticeships.

Delighted to have received this prestigious award, Ashlee said:

“This competition was more than just a creative challenge for me, it was a chance to promote green values, think about how we can reuse resources and inspire others to make eco-friendly choices. I am proud to contribute to a project that highlights the importance of sustainability and innovative thinking for a better future. The competition was great fun and allowed me to use my imagination and creativity.”

Youthreach Mountmellick students Adam and Alessio, winners of the runner up prize said:

“As the world adopts sustainable living, the role of electricians has significantly expanded. Not only are they tasked with traditional electrical work, but now industrial electricians also have key roles in promoting and implementing green energy solutions such as renewable energy systems, solar panels and wind turbines. These are crucial to the promotion of green energy. And electricians educate homeowners about energy efficiency and promote green energy through energy-efficient appliances.

“Sketching out numerous versions of our competition entry was tough and took many attempts and conversations before we were both satisfied with the outcome. The project really opened our minds to the different opportunities available for young people through apprenticeships and the planet positive opportunities that come with being an electrician.”

Congratulating all of the 2025 competition entrants and winners, Dr Mary-Liz Trant, Director of the National Apprenticeship Office said:

“It was such a privilege to work with the students, their teachers and guidance counsellors on this competition. The winning entrants will feature in our promotion of the 77+ apprenticeships available and the vital contribution apprentices play in tackling climate change. The percentage of jobs in Ireland requiring green skills is one of the highest internationally with 75% of employment here requiring some level of green skills. That is a powerful reality which we aim to support via apprenticeship careers.”

To find out more about any of the 77+ national apprenticeship programmes available, you can learn more at www.apprenticeship.ie.