Ten minutes with Michelle O’Brien of the National Apprenticeship Office
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Michelle O’Brien works with the National Apprenticeship Office as part of its busy Stakeholder Engagement and Promotions department, having joined the team earlier this year.
One of the main focuses of the job is to plan, organise, run and manage a wide and diverse range of Generation Apprenticeship events throughout the year. This includes supporting the delivery of apprenticeship promotional initiatives including the Apprentice of the Year and Workplace Champions awards, launching a new schools and centres competitions for secondary schools, and supporting national and local partners at their local events where possible.
Some of the other major events that Michelle's team at the NAO run include setting up their Generation Apprenticeship information stand at largescale national events like Higher Options and World Skills Ireland at the RDS, the National Ploughing Championships, and supporting employer, industry and ETB partners at local events throughout the year.
After nearly 20 years in finance, I was looking for a new challenge, seeking a complete change in my career, and I decided to look for a role that I would truly enjoy, and to work for an organisation that is making a difference. When I came across this role in Stakeholder Engagement and Promotion I found just that — and it’s great to get the opportunity to work for an organisation like the National Apprenticeship Office, who are committed to driving skills opportunities for people across Ireland, from students to older learners, and through effective support and partnership with employers, industry and ETBs to meet the skills gap and create opportunities for all. There wasn’t a single aspect of the job role that I felt I couldn’t contribute to, and I’m delighted to say that I have joined a fantastic team, passionate about unlocking opportunity for all with apprenticeships.
It’s wonderful to join a team that is so passionate about promoting the huge wealth of opportunities that apprenticeships bring to employers, industry and aspiring apprentices across Ireland — and there’s never a dull moment, with no two days the same!
The interview itself sold the job to me, alongside the job spec where I knew I could contribute my skills. The people on the panel were so genuine and I left the interview thinking I really want to work for that manager which, let’s be honest, doesn’t happen all the time! I was also motivated by the idea of getting out there, helping promote the huge opportunities that apprenticeships bring for students, older learners, employers and people across Ireland, and having the opportunity to work in a job with a real purpose, for an organisation that is doing something positive nationally.
I am working on organising our flagship events such as 2024 Apprentice of the Year Awards taking place next month and the 2024 Workplace Champions Awards taking place in December. The National Apprenticeship Office also has a large presence at the National Ploughing Championship, WorldSkills and Higher Options this month and event managing these is a huge focus of mine too at the moment.
No two days are ever the same, there’s never a boring day. I love the engagement I have with potential apprentices, employers and partners — be it at careers fairs, national events or at stakeholder meetings — and because I positively promote apprenticeships, I get to share this passion daily.
My defining career moment is my ability to take on a challenge and follow my passion, moving from nearly 15 years in the finance sector to a public sector job and being successful in both roles. I like to challenge myself and show that no matter what industry you are in, and if you are passionate about what you do and work hard — your skills and knowledge gained are always transferrable, no matter the industry. I am particularly proud of how quickly I have settled into this role and come into my own, in a short space of time.
I can only see the national apprenticeship system going one way, and that’s up. We have new apprenticeships launching regularly, spanning a diverse range of modern Irish industries and sectors, with some of the newest apprenticeships launched including digital marketing, horticulture. social work, cybersecurity and much more. It’s a really exciting time to be part of the NAO and in five years time, I see apprenticeship programmes growing from 77 presently to hopefully over 100.Theres something for everyone now!
I was offered my first job in finance 20 years ago and a few hours later was offered another finance role with a greater salary. I had verbally accepted the first role and when I called my Dad to ask what I should do, he told me to stay true to my word, and that it means everything, and I did. I stayed with that first company for three years, and learned so much in that time, and made great friends that are still in my life. I have carried my father’s advice with me throughout my professional career and it has remained important to me to stay true to my word.
Do what makes you happy. Don’t chase the salary initially. Success and opportunity will follow you on your career journey if you are doing what you love.
Be prepared to work at a very fast pace and bring positive energy to all that you do. It is an outward-facing position so being a people person certainly helps, together with being highly organised.
Strong communication skills, passion, motivation, confidence, and showing compassion and care towards apprentices, employers, education and industry partners.
Don’t stay in an industry that no longer motivates you. Be brave. It’s never too late to change careers and after nearly 20 years in finance and moving into the apprenticeship world, I am proof of that.
I would recommend following the Apprenticeship Ireland channels across all our social platforms (@apprenticesirl(X) and @ApprenticeshipIreland on LinkedIn) to keep up to speed on our events, new apprenticeship programme launches and potential apprenticeship opportunities!
I know everyone is aware of this one, but I religiously listen to The Diary Of A CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett. It’s a fantastic insight into leadership and personal growth.