Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) and Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT) co-hosted a dynamic event, the North West Tech Summit 2024, aimed at guiding employers through the opportunities provided by the three Tech Apprenticeships delivered in Sligo Training Centre. These apprenticeships delivered in cybersecurity, software development and computer engineering equip apprentices with valuable experience and skills while earning on the job.
The summit brought together local businesses, educators, and industry leaders to showcase how tech apprenticeships can help bridge the skills gap and build diverse, future-ready teams.
Tom Grady, Chief Executive of MSLETB, officially opened the summit, highlighting the role tech apprenticeships play in supporting businesses to meet evolving digital demands.
The summit featured a video message from Dara Calleary, TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, underlining the government’s commitment to supporting tech skills development in the region.
Guest speakers included Ciaran O’Donnell, ICT Release and Environment Manager at the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), and Brian Hickey, ICT Systems Manager at Education & Training Boards Ireland (ETBI). Both shared their experiences in managing large-scale tech projects, providing insights into how businesses can integrate tech apprenticeships into their own operations for long-term success.
An interactive cybersecurity exercise led by Declan Foley and Brian Burke from MSLETB demonstrated the practical skills apprentices gain, showing how they can support businesses bolster their digital strategies.
The event culminated in a Tech Apprentice & Employer Panel Discussion, where employers and apprentices shared their firsthand experiences, highlighting the mutual benefits of the apprenticeship programmes.
Peter Egan, Director of Further Education & Training at MSLETB, delivered the closing remarks, reiterating the importance of continued collaboration between education providers and businesses to ensure the region’s workforce remains competitive and adaptable to future tech advancements.
For more information about Tech Apprenticeships and how your business can benefit, email [email protected].
