Ireland Skills Live, which will take place from March 21-23, 2019, at the RDS, Dublin, has been unveiled by chef Neven Maguire.
Minister Josepha Madigan, who also attended the event, said: “I am delighted to be here launching the first year of this amazing event, Ireland Skills Live.
"The 2018 new apprentice is training in aviation engineering, IT, design, and the culinary arts. The area has completely changed; there are thousands of job opportunities available now and these will all be on show at Ireland Skills Live in March.”
15 destinations in North America in 2019
Fergus Wilson CTO of Aer Lingus said : "This is a significant time of growth for Aer Lingus, in 2019 we will fly to 15 destination in North America – our seat capacity across the Atlantic has doubled in the past five years. That means more aircraft and - and great opportunities in the thriving aircraft maintenance industry.
"Aer Lingus added two Airbus A330s to our fleet this year and we are getting more Airbus A321LR NEOs next year and in 2020."
Since Aer Lingus relaunched the Aircraft Apprentice Scheme in 2011, it has hired 46 apprentices via the programme and this year it plans to double the number of placements on the scheme to 20.
As an Aer Lingus apprenticeship graduate myself, I am committed to ensuring the next generation can avail of this considerable opportunity.”
Hannah Richardson, Aer Lingus aircraft engineer apprentice, said: "I am a second year engineering apprentice with Aer Llngus and I love it; I was lucky in transition year my teacher brought me to see aviation engineering in action and now here I am, more girls need to see these new career opportunities and choices."
Paul Hackett, MD of Sisk, added: "Since John Sisk & Son was founded in 1859, the Sisk family have recognised the importance of apprenticeships, and training young people to be good tradesmen. Since that time apprenticeships in Ireland have come on quite a journey.
"This is an event in its first year for which we and others in Irish industry and education have great ambitions, as Construction Director of Sisk, we are delighted to co-sponsor Ireland Skills Live.”
Ireland Skills Live takes place next March 21-23 in the RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin. Thousands of Irish students will see three days of skills competitions, demonstrations and have the opportunity to visit a careers fair.