As someone who initially worked as a Youth Employment Mentor for Moyross, I have seen first-hand the difference the Access to Apprenticeship programme in TUS is making.
Moyross is an area with historically low third-level attainment, yet I’ve witnessed a genuine transformation in our community because of this initiative.
I personally know 20 individuals who have completed the programme and are now in employment. That is a remarkable achievement, not only for them individually but for their families and for the wider regeneration of our area. The programme is deeply embedded in the community, and as a result, our secondary school students now have a real awareness of the opportunities available within the trades—something that simply didn’t exist at this scale before.
Susan and Pat are exceptional in the support they provide. It’s clear they genuinely care about the lads participating, and their commitment to positive outcomes is evident in every aspect of the programme.
For me, Access to Apprenticeship needs to be rolled out even further. Its impact is undeniable, especially in communities like ours. It’s important to remember that eight of the ten unemployment blackspots in Ireland are in our city. Programmes like this are breaking through intergenerational unemployment and reaching those who are often the hardest to engage.
This is real, meaningful change, and we need more of it.
Jason Craig
Manager, Moyross Community Enterprise Centre