Waterford learners recognised at national event

Current and former learners of Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) were recognised for their excellence at a special event held recently in Thomond Park.

The event, which was organised by Education and Training Boards Ireland, was held as part of its national ‘ETB Week’ celebrations.

Hosted by RTÉ newsreader and former ETB student, Ray Kennedy, a variety of awards were presented including the ETB Alumni awards, which were presented to 17 former ETB learners who achieved excellence in their chosen field or made an outstanding contribution to their local community.

Also awarded on the day were four ETB Bursaries, to exceptional current ETB learners to support their future study, entrepreneurship or community activism in the areas of Technology and AI, Green Innovation, Media and Communications, and the Irish Language. Each bursary was valued at €5,000 and included professional support while runners-up were awarded €500.

Among the successful students from Waterford & Wexford ETB was Derek Kent, former Selskar College student and now owner of a successful engineering business, and Chair of Leinster GAA. He was presented with an alumni award.

Frank Power was the runner up for the Technology & AI ETB Bursary. A FET learner who began a ‘Start Your Own Business’ course in Waterford and Wexford ETB, Mr Power, created an innovative fitness app titled, ‘Power Golf Fitness.’ Other notable Alumni nominees were Olympian Sarah Lavin, former education editor of the Irish Independent, Katherine Donnelly, and campaigner Vicky Phelan, whose family received a standing ovation from the large crowd of attendees.

Entertainment was provided by a rock group composed of ETB learners and staff who inspired a national carpool karaoke competition, and Limerick based rappers MuRli and God Knows Jonas.

Congratulating the winners, Paddy Lavelle, Chief Executive of ETBI said: “Excellence in education and training across all 16 ETBs in the country – through their current and past students is really on display today.” “I congratulate all our winners on their achievements,” he said.

“Their stories show us the power in education and how it can have a pivotal impact on your life’s path,” he added.

Commending all of the ETBs, Mr Lavelle said they continue to go above and beyond to create diverse, accessible and effective learning opportunities all over the country.

He said their work impacts communities and ensures people nationwide have access to education, regardless of what stage of life they are at.

For more information go online and look up https://events.etbi.ie/ETBWEEK2024