'I am delighted', Carlow scoops two awards at Apprentice of the Year Awards 2023

Carlow local and Electronic Security Systems apprentice Glen Dermody and Hairdressing apprentice Leah Carroll Byrne from Vanilla Hair Design Carlow bring home ‘Apprentice of the Year’ awards at 2023 national awards ceremony.

The Generation Apprenticeship Apprentice of the Year Awards 2023 took place recently where fourteen exceptional apprentices were awarded prestigious awards.

Glen Dermody is an Electronic Security Systems apprentice from Pollerton, County Carlow. Glen took home the top prize in the ‘Electrical’ award category.

Glen said: “I could not believe it that I was nominated for a chance to win a Generation Apprenticeship ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award, let alone to win an award! I've always loved working with my hands since a young age. What I love about the trade I'm doing is that there is always something new to learn! That feeling when you finally solve the fault you were stuck on or when you power up a new system and get everything working right as it should is the best feeling. I work for a great company, Xenon Building Solutions. We specify in VSS, door access, fire alarm systems and intruder alarm systems. Overall, I love the trade I chose and I have great intentions of continuing to improve myself and climb that ladder to success! As I say, if you can dream it, you can achieve it! My best motivation in life is my 2-year-old daughter and that's why I work so hard to give her the life she truly deserves! I am delighted to have won this award.”

Hailing from Enniscorthy and working at Vanilla Hair Design in County Carlow, Leah Carroll Byrne took home a top award as an exceptional hairdressing apprentice. 

Commenting on her triumph, Leah said: “I think I am still in shock that my name was called out for the ‘Hairdressing’ category ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award! It is an honour to have been nominated and congratulations to all nominees this year. I am one of the luckiest apprentices in the world to have Sam from Vanilla Hair as my mentor as she pushes and drives me to be my very best at everything I do, and I wouldn’t be the hairdresser I am without her and all of the incredible team at Vanilla Hair Design Carlow – all the girls in our salon are truly one of a kind, always cheering me on. Thank you so much for the continued support from ECCFE Hairdressing, I will forever be grateful for all of your advice. Onwards and upwards!”