Terenure man wins prestigious ‘Apprentice of the Year’ industry award

Terenure native Philip McDonagh Lambe, a hairdressing apprentice at Ciaran Nevin Hair Salon, has received a national award at the Generation Apprenticeship ‘Apprentice of the Year’ awards 2024, held in the Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin on Wednesday, October 23.

Philip McDonagh Lambe is one of 17 finalists who took home a prestigious industry award at the spectacular awards ceremony that showcases the breadth of phenomenal apprentice talent that exists in workplaces right across Ireland.

Coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Office, the Apprentice of the Year Awards are now in their third year of celebrations, and have seen a doubling of nominations this year.

The awards celebrate outstanding apprentice talent that exists across 70+ national Generation Apprenticeship training programmes in every region in Ireland.

Dublin man Philip McDonagh Lambe‘s win has put a strong spotlight on Dublin talent, beating tough competition and exceptional talent from a record number 400 Apprentice of the Year’ award nominations.

Barry Comerford, National Apprenticeship Alliance member presented the overall ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award to County Kildare’s Bronwyn Villis, Laboratory Technician and Kerry Group. He also presented the industry award to Philip McDonagh Lambe and 17 exceptional finalists.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science of Ireland, Patrick O’Donovan TD said: “Looking at the 400 outstanding apprentices nominated for an Apprentice of the Year award this year, it is clear to see the enormous wealth of talent we have in this country.

“I wish to offer my heartfelt congratulations to every single one on their fantastic achievement.”

“Through the continued drive for transformation of the apprenticeship system, businesses across the country have so much to gain from a highly talented pool of apprentices.”

Dr. Mary-Liz Trant, Director of the National Apprenticeship Office added:

“The National Apprenticeship Office wish the warmest congratulations to Philip McDonagh Lambe on winning a top award in the Apprentice of the Year 2024 Hairdressing category, and to all the outstanding apprentices who won industry awards spanning major skills industries.

“The National Apprenticeship Office is delighted to be involved in hosting the national Apprentice of the Year awards for the third year running.

“Apprentices are at the heart of Ireland’s skilled workforce, with remarkable attributes of leadership, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving.

“These awards not only celebrate the nominees, but also the power and impact of apprenticeship as a mode of learning and career development for people of all ages and backgrounds across all 21st century industries in Ireland.

Commenting on his win, Philip McDonagh Lambe said:

“It has been an amazing experience to receive an Apprentice of the Year award in the Hairdressing category.

“A big thank you to the team at Ciaran Nevin Hair Salon for their kind support and helping me to be the best I can be as I progress in my career.”