Up to 1,000 attend successful Education and Training Expo in Mayo

The Education and Training Expo/Taispeántas Oideachais agus Oiliúna 2024 has been hailed as a resounding success, with up to 1,000 attendees travelling to the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan last on Wednesday, November 27.

The event brought students, educators and parents together with leading universities, colleges, and training providers from across the country, offering an invaluable opportunity to explore future career and education pathways.

“This was an incredible day of seeing what’s out there for everyone who attended,” said Pat Howley, Chairperson of the Mayo Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Education and Training Working Group. “Our goal was to connect students and families with meaningful opportunities, and we’ve achieved that. Over 1,000 people walked through the doors, leaving with fresh ideas and the confidence to take their next steps. The energy and engagement from both exhibitors and attendees were phenomenal.”

The Expo featured a diverse range of exhibitors, including top universities such as University Galway, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and ATU, as well as representatives from the Irish Defence Forces, and a huge display of Further Education and Training options from Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim ETB. Attendees had the opportunity to explore options for apprenticeships, further education, and upskilling through practical demonstrations on the day.

Joanne Grehan, Director of Services with Mayo County Council, praised the collaborative effort that made the event a success: “Bringing together such a wide range of exhibitors under one roof was a testament to the strong partnerships across our county. This Expo is a shining example of how collaboration can inspire and empower our community. To see 1,000 people engage with the resources and opportunities available is a proud moment for everyone involved. Thank you to all who exhibited and made the event possible. A very special word of thanks to all those who attended on the day.”

The event, organised by Mayo LCDC Education and Training Working Group in partnership with Mayo County Council, MSLETB, Údarás na Gaeltachta, South West Mayo Development Company, Mayo North East LEADER Partnership, and other key stakeholders, served as a vital platform for attendees to meet experts, ask questions, and gain insights not easily found elsewhere.

Pat Howley concluded: “This was not just an event – it was a gateway to opportunity for many. We look forward to continuing to support our community in exploring their potential and making informed decisions about their futures.”

The organising team has already started discussions for next year’s Expo, with the goal of building on this year’s success and continuing to inspire the next generation of learners and workers. A date is expected to be confirmed shortly.

Pictured above at the event were, from left: Tom Grady, Chief Executive MSLETB; Joanne Grehan, Director of Services Mayo County Council; Anne Ronayne Community and Integrated Development Mayo County Council; Barbara Ronayne MSLETB; Pamela Ní Thaidhg Údarás na Gaeltachta; Pat Howley Director, Organisation Support & Development MSLETB. Pic: AK Photography, Ballyhaunis.