Laois motor company wins prestigious national ‘Employer of the Year’ Award’
Orla Dollard, Office Administrator at Philip Doogue Mechanical Services receives the company's national Employer of the Year Award 2025 from DFHERIS Minister of State, Marian Harkin TD
A LAOIS motor business has been awarded with a prestigious national ‘Employer of the Year’ award in a superb awards ceremony coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Office at Dublin’s Gibson Hotel.
Philip Doogue Mechanical Services, located in Abbeyleix, is celebrating after the company was recognised as a national Generation Apprenticeship employer champion and apprenticeship pioneer, taking home an ‘Employer of the Year’ Award in the Micro Business category for dedication and commitment shown supporting the next generation of skilled apprentices in Ireland.
The Laois motor company was awarded one of just eight top accolades from 100 national nominations, beating out tough competition from a diverse range of outstanding apprenticeship employers from across the four corners of Ireland.
Commenting on their win, Philip Doogue of Philip Doogue Mechanical Services said: “We are proud to accept the ‘Employer of the Year’ Award 2025 from The National Apprenticeship Office. This recognition reflects our dedication to creating opportunities for apprentices to learn, grow and succeed. Supporting and mentoring talent is at the heart of what we do at Philip Doogue Mechancial Services because we know apprenticeships help our community to build strong careers and strengthen skills in our local community.”
Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin who presented the Awards said: “The exceptional calibre of employers recognised in this year’s Employer of the Year Awards highlights the immense dedication and innovation present across our apprenticeship community. These awards honour individuals who embody the collaborative spirit between apprentices and employers I wish to congratulate each recipient and nominee on their remarkable achievements.”
Nessa White, Interim CEO at SOLAS added: “We are proud to champion employers who are playing a leading role in strengthening Ireland’s apprenticeship system. The Employer of the Year Awards recognise those who invest in the training and development of apprentices, foster innovation, inclusion and build pathways to rewarding careers.” The apprenticeship route is growing in demand and popularity nationwide, with 10,000 employers investing in apprentices and apprenticeship training across 78 occupations, developing the talent needed to support business and industry needs and Ireland’s economy and society.
