Sapna Sian of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Limerick has been named Ireland’s National Apprentice of the Year 2026 at the recent awards ceremony held at the RDS in Dublin. Sian was among three Limerick apprentices who collectively secured four awards from over 500 nominations across 17 categories.
The showcase, overseen by SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, recognised apprentices demonstrating exceptional leadership, teamwork, creativity and problem solving skills in their respective industries.
Key facts
- Sapna Sian won both National Apprentice of the Year 2026 and Engineering Industry Apprentice of the Year
- Auryn Souness of Johnson & Johnson MedTech in Plassey received the Logistics Apprentice of the Year award
- Darragh Sweeney of H&MV Engineering in Castletroy secured Electric Apprentice of the Year
- Over 500 nominations were received across 17 categories nationwide
- Awards recognise contributions in work, learning and industry development
First Manufacturing Technician to Win Overall Title
Following her national win, Sian expressed pride in becoming the first manufacturing technician apprentice to receive the overall award. She emphasised the significance of her achievement as a woman working in STEM and highlighted the unexpected opportunities that apprenticeship learning can provide. “Apprenticeships offer a fantastic pathway for anyone to achieve their dreams and to build a rewarding career,” Sian stated.
Sian also claimed the Engineering Industry Apprentice of the Year Award, demonstrating excellence across multiple evaluation criteria within the industry sector.
Limerick Secures Multiple Category Awards
Auryn Souness, who works with Johnson & Johnson MedTech in Plassey, won the Logistics Apprentice of the Year title. Souness credited the supply chain manager apprenticeship with opening doors and allowing connection between academic learning and practical workplace experience. “Apprenticeships provides a valuable opportunity to understand an industry from the inside while developing the skills needed to succeed,” Souness commented.
Darragh Sweeney of H&MV Engineering in Castletroy completed Limerick’s successful showing by winning the Electric Apprentice of the Year award, bringing the county’s total to four awards in the national competition.
Nominees for the National Apprentice of the Year Awards can be put forward by employers, training providers or anyone familiar with an apprentice’s work. Judging focuses on skills and qualities including leadership, teamwork, creativity and problem solving abilities. Further information about the awards and the 89 national apprenticeships currently available can be found at apprenticeship.ie.
Reporting based on original coverage by the Limerick Post.