‘I was told I’d never make it’: Limerick woman carves out carpentry career and challenges gender norms

A YOUNG woman who left school during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and who felt “lost” after being told getting an apprenticeship would be “nearly impossible” is on the way to becoming a carpenter thanks to her perseverance and a programme run at TUS.

Katelyn O’Donnell, from Patrickswell, County Limerick, aged 21, was one of 38 students who graduated from the Access to Apprenticeship programme at the university’s Moylish campus on April 4.

The national programme, which piloted at Moylish in 2022, focuses on empowering young people aged 16 to 24 from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them gain access to apprenticeship opportunities.

“I had just finished transition year and I wanted to do a trade and anyone I talked to told me I may as well forget about it... or I'd never have a chance getting an apprenticeship as a girl,” explained Katelyn.

READ MORE: TUS triumphs at national awards ceremony for adult learning

She added that this really affected her confidence and made her apprehensive to apply for the apprenticeship programme. “I didn't even want to apply for the course. I didn't think I'd get into the course because I'd been told that,” said Katelyn.

The Limerick woman entered the male-dominated apprenticeship programme feeling daunted but said that the boys looked after her. “I haven't witnessed any people or employers treat me differently because I'm a girl.”

Katelyn is hopeful that the outdated notion that apprenticeships are solely for men will end and that more women will be encouraged to undertake apprenticeships in the coming years. “In my course there was only me and one other girl and I was even surprised to see another girl... you don't hear of girls getting into these things,” she explained.

Upon beginning the course, Katelyn was more focused on learning the trade of carpentry but found herself “torn” between electrical and carpentry. She said that the 12-week programme gave her “a taste of all trades” including motor mechanics, welding and carpentry. She also has the opportunity to undertake work placement with Irish Rail as part of the course.

“I decided to give Irish Rail a shot and I just kept thinking about carpentry throughout the whole thing so after the two weeks I decided to go with carpentry”. Katelyn is doing a carpentry apprenticeship currently.

Katelyn's confidence has grown immensely since undertaking the apprenticeship programme proven by her ability to give a speech at the graduation ceremony earlier this month. “It's after changing my outlook completely. I think it's forced me to put myself out there but I'm reaping the rewards of it,” she remarked.

Speaking at the ceremony, Katelyn said: “Completing the programme last June was a turning point for me. Since then, I’ve never looked back. “I’m proud to say that I’ve secured an apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery.

She continued: “It showed me that I have the same ability and opportunities as anyone else, and it ultimately helped me secure the apprenticeship I once thought was out of reach.”

Concluding her inspiring speech, Katelyn stated: “To anyone who feels uncertain or unsure about their path, I want them to know that sometimes the most difficult decisions lead to the greatest opportunities.

“I’m proof that perseverance, a little courage and the right support can open doors you never thought possible.”

Presenting the awards, TUS President, Professor Vincent Cunnane, said: “This innovative programme equips students with the tools they need to enter the workforce, breaking historical cycles of disadvantage while addressing real skills gaps.

“Today’s ceremony not only marked a key milestone for graduates but also underscored TUS’ ongoing mission to deliver accessible, high-quality education that prepares students for real-world challenges.

“The programme has been particularly impactful in supporting students from regeneration areas, where the progression rates have historically been low”.

In her address, Dr Maria Kyne, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, TUS, acknowledged the significant impact these programmes have on communities. “This programme is not only shaping the future of our graduates but also the communities they come from. They provide a vital opportunity for personal and professional growth, breaking down barriers and creating new pathways for those who need them most”.

As Katelyn continues with her apprenticeship in carpentry, she said her end goal is to start her own business. “It's kind of something that I've always wanted to do. I grew up as a tomboy, I used to be out the back building things with scrap pieces of wood and stuff like that and now I get to actually build things for our customers.”

She continued: “Every little job I do means something to not just me but to a lot of other people as well. And the creativity as well, you get to put your imagination into the jobs that you do.”

Speaking about what she would tell others who are struggling to stay in school and hoping to pursue a trade, Katelyn said not to panic. “I don't think school is for everyone. I think trades are becoming more and more popular and it's not something that people look down on anymore.”

Operating on TUS’ Moylish and Athlone campuses, the Access to Apprenticeship (ATA) programme – funded by the Higher Education Authority - offers a 12-week, Level-6 special-purpose award that blends practical skills training, personal and professional development, and work placement.

Of the 38 who graduated on the day, 19 are already doing apprenticeships – including in motor, electrical and plumbing trades.