Portarlington man wins ‘Apprentice of the Year’ 2023 category award
The National Apprenticeship Office has awarded Portarlington man and Transport Operations and Commercial Driving apprentice, Ronan Dunne, a top category award in the Generation Apprenticeship national ‘Apprentice of Year’ awards 2023.
Ronan was one of 14 finalists who won a prestigious award, out of a record 222 exceptional nominees put forward for a 2023 ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award from across every county in Ireland.
Some of the diverse areas represented in each category included leading industries representing Hospitality, Food and Healthcare, Hairdressing, Finance and Insurance, ICT, Property Services, Recruitment and Sales, Manufacturing Engineering, Biopharma, Logistics and Motor, Electrical and Construction.
Ronan is a proud Portarlington man, building skills and a rewarding career as a Transport Operations and Commercial Driving apprentice with Polar Ice Ltd based in Portarlington, Co. Offaly. Commenting on his learning journey he said: "I'm a full-time HGV driver with Polar Ice. I'm so passionate about logistics and I enjoy the diverse challenges and opportunities that the apprenticeship journey offers. I am delighted to win this special award.”
Employer Polar Ice Ltd, said of Ronan’s win: “We are thrilled to announce that Ronan Dunne of Polar Ice Ltd, was a category award winner at the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ Awards held recently in Dublin. Ronan was one of the Transport Operations & Commercial Driving Apprenticeship nominees put forward for an award. Ronan's quick thinking and problem-solving abilities are a testament to his innate talent as an apprentice. His keen eye for identifying opportunities, combined with his swift decision-making skills, demonstrates his capacity to think critically and find innovative solutions in his work. We are exceptionally proud of all of his hard work and dedication in both his coursework as he progresses through year two of his apprenticeship and as a Heavy Goods Vehicle driver for Polar Ice.”
Chairperson of the National Apprenticeship Alliance (NAA), Pat O’Doherty, announced the overall ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and presented 14 exceptional finalists with a prestigious award in front of a gathering of 500 guests in the Round Room of The Mansion House, Dublin.
Commenting on the ceremony, Dr Mary Liz Trant, said: ”The NAO was delighted to present the national ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award for 2023 to Hazel Johnson and 14 exceptional finalists including Ronan Dunne, from a 26,000-strong Generation Apprenticeship community of dedicated apprentices. Apprentices are transforming the landscape of Ireland’s skilled workforce, bringing exceptional creativity and innovation, adaptability, leadership, fresh perspectives and a steadfast eagerness to learn that makes them valuable additions to any industry or workforce.”
Minister Simon Harris added: “Looking through the list of the 222 fantastic nominees, I can really see the talent we have in this country. Wishing warmest congratulations to each and every one of you. I want to thank each and every apprentice and employer for their unique role in supporting and developing our apprenticeship system.”
Dr Trant said: “The ‘Apprentice of the Year’ awards not only celebrate the apprentices nominated but also the power and impact of apprenticeship as a mode of learning and career development. The ongoing focus on continuous improvement within the apprenticeship system enables businesses to share their knowledge and expertise with upcoming talented apprentices of all ages and backgrounds.”
Manufacturing Engineering apprentice with DePuy Synthes, Hazel Johnston, took home the second-ever national title at the independently judged Generation Apprenticeship awards, standing as the first-ever female winner of the highly-coveted ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award.