Young Louth butcher: 'Apprenticeship was best for me'

Leaving Certificate results will be announced on Friday, and many students will be contemplating their future paths. Rather than following the conventional CAO route, one young woman from Bettystown, Co Louth, Emily Callaghan, opted for a butcher's apprenticeship after realizing her passion for the trade. The assurance of a guaranteed apprenticeship alleviated significant stress on her results day.

"Knowing I didn't need to depend on a Leaving Cert paper, and that I could pursue something I genuinely enjoy and wish to learn more about, made me feel at ease," Emily shared with RTÉ News. Her family operates a butcher shop in Bettystown, but Emily initially had no intention of joining them. "I explored the CAO options and concluded that an apprenticeship would be ideal for me.

I learn best through hands-on experience rather than through classroom lectures," she explained. By working in the shop during the summer, Emily discovered her enthusiasm for the profession and decided to further her expertise. Apprenticeships offer a wealth of learning opportunities. Emily aims to inspire young women to consider male-dominated trades.

"I received some surprised expressions when I disclosed my apprenticeship to others, as they presumed it was a career path not typically chosen by women. However, I demonstrated that women are more than capable in such fields," she stated. She encourages women to challenge stereotypes and pursue their passions. For students uncertain about their future, Emily advises them to discover their interests and explore the diverse range of PLC courses and apprenticeships available. She emphasizes that finding one's true calling will lead to lasting contentment.