Four Laois companies have received nominations in a range of different categories for the Generation Apprenticeship Employer of the Year 2021 awards.
71 nominees have been selected in three categories – all stand out companies for their resilience, innovation and commitment to their apprentices.
The four are Allwood Architectural Joinery, Damien Campion Electrical, Property Partners Buggy and ESB Networks.
Property Partners Buggy has been nominated in the Micro category – which is for companies with fewer than seven employees.
Owned by Kilkenny native Tommy Buggy, the estate agent is based at the top of Main Street in Portlaoise.
Two of the Laois establishments are nominated in the SME category which is for less than 250 employees.
Damien Campion Limited operates out of Hipwell House, Main Street in Portlaoise and was established in 2012 – currently employing 33 apprentice electricians.
While Allwood Architectural Joinery, located in Ballymacken outside Portlaoise, is a family run business that specialises in the design and manufacture of bespoke joinery for hotels and bars and commercial fit outs.
While ESB Networks, based on the Abbeyleix Road, is nominated in the Large Company category.
They have 6,100 employees and are embarking on an impressive skills development programme for its 295 apprentices.
Speaking ahead of the awards ceremony which takes place virtually next month, the Executive Director of SOLAS Dr Mary-Liz Trant is looking forward to it.
She said: “Following a very challenging 20 months for everyone, we look forward to celebrating the resilience and vitality of these companies, and the critical role played by apprenticeship in the social and economic life of the country.”
Warmly congratulating the nominees John Costello, Manager at the Midlands Regional Skills Forum said: “Well done to all the nominees.
“Each company has dedicated itself to skills through apprenticeship to support collective and committed development.
“Profiling their approach can only inspire others to set similar foundations for the long-term encouragement of talent.”
