Earn and Learn: Soaring interest in apprenticeships

Interest in apprenticeships and internships is on the rise, as Catríona Rodgers, president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, explains to Rita de Brún

Promoting apprenticeships: Jennifer Treacy preparing pepper sauce for a Gourmet Style Burger at Gaelcholaiste Luimnigh TY as part of a Pre Apprenticeship taster programme for Schools delivered by Limerick and Clare ETB colleges, FET Hospitality Campus. Picture: Brian Arthur

Apprenticeships have a habit of launching great careers. Without them, the Sistine Chapel ceiling might have been de Vinci fresco-free.

Runway models might never have showcased the garments of Stella McCartney, or, unthinkably, the late Alexander McQueen. As for legendary actors, Michael Caine and Ian McKellen, had they never been apprenticed, might never have trodden the boards or delighted on screen, let alone been knighted.