Perceptions need to change for apprentices to drive innovation

Companies can futureproof their talent pool by investing in apprentices and interns, who can also play an invaluable role in boosting Ireland’s economy, says the MD of Turnua

David Cox, founder and managing director of Turnua, an Irish specialist infrastructure partner that designs, builds and maintains critical facilities and digital infrastructure within subsea telecoms, data centres and healthcare.

Skilled interns and apprentices can play an invaluable role in boosting Ireland’s economy by bolstering the nation’s talent pipeline and sustaining consistent growth.

This is the view of David Cox, founder and managing director of Turnua. An Irish company, Turnua is a specialist infrastructure partner delivering high-performance environments where continuity, connectivity, and control are essential. It designs, builds and maintains critical facilities and digital infrastructure across multiple sectors — including subsea telecoms, data centres and healthcare.

Having started his career as an apprentice, David experienced firsthand the transformative power of skilled trades and hands-on learning. 

This foundation not only shaped his career, but also instilled a deep appreciation for the critical role skilled trades play in Ireland’s economy and future.

With The Central Applications Office issuing almost 90,000 offers for college courses recently, the Turnua MD says that now is an important time to review the choices facing young people.

“Many talented students are overlooking apprenticeships and technical training, paths that can lead directly to highly skilled, well-paid, and in-demand careers,” David said.

David Cox is a passionate advocate for apprenticeships, believing they are vital to addressing Ireland’s growing demand for highly skilled professionals in industries that are the backbone of the nation’s progress.

He said: “While university is an excellent path for some, it is not the only route to success. Apprenticeships offer a unique combination of practical experience and education, equipping individuals with the skills, confidence and adaptability to thrive in dynamic industries.” 

Drawing from his own journey, from apprentice to business leader, Cox champions the idea that skilled trades are not just jobs, but long-term, fulfilling careers that can rival and often surpass traditional academic routes.

He sees apprenticeships as a cornerstone of Ireland’s future, ensuring the country remains competitive, innovative, and resilient in a rapidly changing world.

According to Generation Apprenticeship, some 8,712 apprentices registered for training in 2023, contributing to an overall apprentice population of 27,470.

Research led by Technological University of the Shannon, however, shows that the construction industry will need to recruit up to 120,000 additional skilled workers and re-skill 164,000 more by 2030 to meet Ireland’s housing and climate targets.

“Demand for skilled trades across digital, energy, and infrastructure sectors is set to soar, but the current pipeline of technically trained professionals is not keeping pace,” David said. “Without increased investment and a shift in cultural attitudes toward vocational pathways, Ireland risks falling short of its economic and infrastructural ambitions.” 

Turnua’s core capabilities span fibre networks, critical IT systems, building fabric, and complex construction, with a growing portfolio focused on powering next-generation technologies, solving infrastructure challenges at scale.

In this Q&A interview below, he outlines how he still believes that his own start as an apprentice continues to inform his ideas as the head of a leading Irish-owned critical infrastructure specialist.

How can greater investment in apprenticeships and internships help Irish industries boost their talent pipeline? 

"As a former apprentice, I’ve seen how apprenticeships develop practical, adaptable, and resilient talent, exactly what industries need. We must expand these programmes beyond traditional trades to areas like technology, healthcare, sustainability, and data centres.

"We also need to change perceptions. Apprenticeships should be valued on par with university degrees. Many who take this route build in-demand skills, apply them immediately, and often surpass their university-educated peers in career success. Greater investment in apprenticeships is key to creating a skilled, future-ready workforce." 

What are the main advantages for the participants in apprenticeship programmes?

"The biggest advantage is the combination of practical learning and earning at the same time. Apprentices gain hands-on experience in real-world environments while earning a salary, giving them a strong foundation to build on.

"An apprenticeship isn’t the end, it’s a platform. With further development, apprentices can move into leadership roles, engineering, or even start their own businesses. Many who start in trades go on to achieve incredible success, often outpacing university graduates. Apprenticeships provide skills, confidence, and opportunities to grow." 

What have been the key gains for Turnua from investing in apprenticeships?

"For Turnua, apprenticeships are about building a sustainable talent pipeline. In industries like telecoms, healthcare, and data centres, where skills are scarce, apprenticeships allow us to develop talent tailored to our needs.

"Some of our strongest team members started as apprentices. They understand our culture, standards, and customers from the ground up, creating loyalty and leadership that can’t be bought. Apprenticeships have been vital to our success.2 

What has your own experience taught you about the benefits of hands-on learning?

"My apprenticeship gave me skills I still use today. Working on live projects taught me attention to detail, safety, and decision-making under pressure, lessons that have been invaluable throughout my career.

"That experience also helps me relate to the challenges our teams face while staying focused on the bigger picture. Hands-on learning didn’t just prepare me for my trade; it shaped how I lead and grow Turnua."