Bright spark from Laois is electrical Apprentice of the Year
Emma McCann from Mountmellick receives the Apprentice of the Year award in the electrical category from minister of state Marian Harkin
A BRIGHT spark from Laois has won the national Apprentice of the Year title in the electrical category.
Emma McCann from Mountmellick, an electrical apprentice with Microsoft, received the award at a ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House.
There was double delight for the county’s female electricians as reigning Rose Of Tralee, Laois Rose and electrical apprentice Katelyn Cummins, received the Outstanding Ambassador award, acknowledging her prominent role in raising the profile of apprenticeship careers, particularly for women. The 20-year-old is an apprentice at Alpha Drives in Portlaoise.
A delighted Emma was among only 12 winners of a prestigious Apprentice of the Year industry title, from over 330 nominations nationwide.
At the ceremony on 21 October, Emma said she was honoured to receive the 2025 award and thanked everyone at Microsoft Ireland Operations Ltd for helping her to grow and excel in a career she loves.
She said: “It is especially important for women to see themselves represented in skilled trades. Your perspective and abilities are needed and your success can inspire others to follow.”
The overall Apprentice of the Year title went to David Wren from Offaly, a mechanical automation and maintenance fitter with Novo Nordisk.
Presenting the awards, minister of state Marian Harkin said: “I wish to offer Emma McCann, electrical category winner, my heartfelt congratulations and to each and every apprentice on their fantastic achievement.”
Coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Office, organisers say the awards spotlight the economic and social contribution of the 30,000 apprentices currently training nationwide.
