Two talented locals have shown how Galway apprentices are breaking the mould.

Mary Ward and Oisín Walsh took to the stage at the WorldSkills Ireland Heroes Showcase at the RDS Dublin, sharing first-hand stories of the confidence, perseverance, and skills in the workplace.

Apprentice Accounting Technician Mary is the first woman in her family to go to college and is gaining hands-on experience with employer Mr Price Branded Bargains in Galway.

From the Traveller Community, Mary is lighting the pathways that are available.

“My apprenticeship has made me more independent, and I’ve learned a lot of skills that I can use in work,” she said.

“A lot of support is available, and I would encourage more Irish Traveller women to choose the apprenticeship route. Financial support and guidance are available through the Irish Traveller Movement and the Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme.

“I’m the first woman in my family to go to college. It’s a big change and it took a lot of adjusting. My parents didn’t go to college, so they didn’t really know how to apply for courses. But now because I’ve done it, it will help as my brothers get to my stage, they now know it’s an option for them.”

Oisín Walsh, a Commis Chef at the Hardiman Galway, said his willingness to “take opportunities as they come” has opened unexpected doors, where he has rubbed shoulders with celebrity chefs and learned invaluable lessons.

“Over the past year I’ve gone to France to compete in a culinary competition. Last week I helped in a pop-up restaurant with Enda McEvoy for the Climate Festival,” he said.

“The course is a lot more theory-based than you might imagine, so you learn about business practices as well. This will help me because I do want to work for myself in the future. Apprenticeships are a great way to go about it.”

This year’s WorldSkills event saw 30,000 students from across Ireland explore apprenticeships, trades, and future careers.

The annual Heroes Showcase forms part of the national Apprentice of the Year awards, which sees hundreds from across the country bid for the top spot.

If you are interested in the apprenticeship route, changing your life and your career, you can learn more at apprenticeship.ie.

Pictured: Trailblazer.. Apprentice Accounting Technician Mary Ward.