Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD officially opened the Craft Skills Training Hub at Louth Meath ETB Drogheda College of the Future, Donore Campus.

The opening of the hub will allow the college to provide training for over 300 apprentices each year with three intakes during the year.

This is a significant investment and expansion in apprenticeship training in the Louth-Meath area in key craft areas, such as electrical trades.

Minister Harris said: "We know we have skills shortages in this country, but today is another important step on the road to addressing that challenge.

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"We are following through on our promise, investing in our young people and sparking their interest in the careers on offer here in electrical trades and more.

"This facility will make a valuable contribution to the availability of skilled workers in the construction industry, helping to achieve the ambition set out in the Government’s Housing for All plan.

"I am particularly delighted with this facility, considering that a key recommendation of the Geiran Report in January 2021 was the requirement for more apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programmes in Drogheda. This is exactly what is being delivered here, and all in a state-of-the-art facility."

The Hub represents more than a capital and educational service investment in Drogheda. As well as instructor jobs at the facility, other support positions are in place. This will lead to up to 20 permanent jobs in Drogheda.

Further indirect jobs will be created as the apprentices will need to avail of accommodation, services, and hospitality. It is anticipated that this facility will bring up to 450 additional visitors to Drogheda each year.