NEWS
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is set to increase its plumbing apprenticeship provision by 75% following the allocation of €5.73m in additional funding to deliver 600 new apprenticeship training places across various disciplines. The funding is part of a €20.5m package recently announced by Irish Education Minister James Lawless to expand apprenticeship capacity nationally. TU Dublin’s Blanchardstown campus will increase its plumbing provision with nine additional blocks offered each year by 2028. It will also double capacity in Tallaght for refrigeration and air conditioning apprentices, adding three new blocks annually from 2025/26 to support rising skills needs across construction, logistics, food production and data centres, as well as national heat pump targets. Dr Deirdre Lillis, President of TU Dublin, said, “These enhancements will not only support national skills needs and drive economic growth, but also strengthen TU Dublin’s role in providing high-quality, practice- based education across our campuses.” www.tudublin.ie TU Dublin boosts plumbing apprenticeships
The team at Image Showers, Kilkenny.
Image Showers joins Guaranteed Irish
Ireland’s only certified shower door manufacturer, Image Showers, has marked a new milestone in its commitment to Irish innovation, quality and community by officially joining Guaranteed Irish. Founded in a haybarn in Thomastown, Co Kilkenny in 1989, the business has since grown into a leading bathroom brand with its shower doors designed, engineered and manufactured at a purpose-built facility in Purcellsinch. The family business is led by owner John Kelly with his wife Audrey serving as a director.
“For us, it’s not just about making shower doors, it’s about sustaining Irish manufacturing, supporting Irish jobs and suppliers and backing our community,” said John. “Being recognised by Guaranteed Irish reinforces what we’ve always believed: quality Irish manufacturing matters.” The company also leads the way in sustainability, operating a fully solar- powered factory with energy-efficient LED upgrades, and using FSC-certified packaging and brochures. www.imageshowers.com
Omagh apprentice lifts UK award
Tristan McGrath, highly commended at WorldSkills UK 2025.
South West College (SWC) plumbing apprentice Tristan McGrath has been awarded highly commended at the WorldSkills UK National Finals 2025. From Omagh, Tristan is an employee of DH Mechanical & Ventilation and among
five students from SWC securing top spots at the UK-wide competition. Held recently across five venues in South Wales, the event brought together more than 400 learners and apprentices competing in 47 skills areas spanning engineering, construction, digital, hospitality and creative industries. Louise Higgins, SWC, said, “Participating in these competitions not only highlights our
students’ talents on a UK-wide platform, but also provides an invaluable opportunity to develop new and innovative methods of learning. “This experience boosts their confidence and opens doors to a wide range of future pathways, whether progressing to higher education or entering the workforce.” www.swc.ac.uk/apprenticeships
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