Limerick woman named Ireland's Apprentice of the Year

LIMERICK apprentices have triumphed on four times at a national awards ceremony.

Caherdavin woman Sapna Sian, of Johnson and Johnson Vision Care Limerick in Plassey, was named Ireland’s overall national apprentice of the year.

Auryn Souness, a supply chain manager at the same company won a logistics award at the ceremony held at Dublin’s RDS.

Tipperary man Darragh Sweeney, who works as an electrical apprentice with H&MV Engineering in Castletroy, won the electrical award at Ireland’s Apprentice of the Year Awards Showcase 2026.

Sapna, who has completed a manufacturing technology apprenticeship with Johnson and Johnson Vision Care Limerick was picked from a record number of 508 nominees nationwide to be announced as Ireland’s overall apprentice of the year.

She also won a second award in the engineering capacity.

The National Apprentice of the Year Awards showcase recognises leadership, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving skills.

Sapna said: “I am delighted to be named as Ireland's overall Apprentice of the Year and to be the first manufacturing technician apprentice to be presented with this amazing award. I am proud of this incredible achievement, and it's wonderful to be awarded such an accolade as a woman working in science, technology, maths and engineering.”

“Apprenticeships offer a fantastic pathway for anyone to achieve their dreams and to build a rewarding career, and winning this award is recognition of the many unexpected opportunities that apprenticeship learning can bring. I would like to thank everyone at Johnson and Johnson and especially the Vision team based in Limerick for their unwavering support, belief, and mentorship they gave me, helping me to build my skills, confidence and career. Winning this award is a very special recognition of that journey and I am so grateful to accept this award!”

Auryn, who won in the logistics category added: “The supply chain manager apprenticeship with Johnson and Johnson MedTech has really opened doors for me and allowed me to connect my learning with practical workplace experience as I build confidence in my skills and develop in my career. Apprenticeships provides a valuable opportunity to understand an industry from the inside while developing the skills needed to succeed in the supply chain and logistics sector, and I am very proud to have my skills recognised with this special award.” 

Overseen by Solas, the further education and training authority of Ireland, the National Apprentice of the Year Awards celebrates the finest talent across the apprenticeship system in Ireland who are building successful and rewarding career with apprenticeships. Apprentices can be nominated by employers, training providers or anyone who knows an apprentice well. Nominees are judged on their skills and qualities in areas including leadership, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving.