Ms Megan Yeates:

Yes, people definitely should jump in and I firmly believe, as has been said earlier, if people can see it then they can be it. One thing that I have always loved doing is sharing my story in order to inspire women to join the industry. I do so because the industry is very male dominated, very intimidating and has a negative image. Let me outline where I have encountered difficulties. I have approached schools and offered a completely free talk or presentation or even just to provide material on the opportunities and jobs in the sector but found that either you cannot find a contact or the schools do not want to engage. By contrast, official engagements arranged along with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors have been very well received. Therefore, we must find avenues. There are plenty of apprentices. A team of 17 apprentices travelled to Kazan in Russia with Mr. Twomey and myself and I know that plenty of us are willing to share our stories to help to show people the opportunities that are available whether that is through a level 8 course or as an apprenticeship. We would like to show the different avenues you can take to enter these careers. We must find ways to bridge that gap, which is why I think that the World Skills Ireland event at the RDS is a great opportunity to showcase careers. While that event is great for anyone who attends, the question is how do you reach the people who do not engage. Perhaps it would be helpful if we went to people. We must find ways to bridge that gap.