Ballyhoura Development CLG is proud to celebrate Rebecca Hennessy’s graduation as an Accounting Technician. This achievement reflects Rebecca’s dedication and Ballyhoura Development’s longstanding commitment to apprenticeship-based career pathways.

Rebecca joined Ballyhoura Development in September 2023 through the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship, a full-time paid employment programme that combines four days of hands-on work in the office each week with one day of study at the Limerick College of Further Education.

Over the past two years, she has developed strong professional skills and a clear sense of direction. Rebecca will now continue her journey with Ballyhoura Development as she works towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.

Since 2017, Ballyhoura Development has supported the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship, recruiting and mentoring nine apprentices to date. Close collaboration with Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI), SOLAS, and the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) in Cork and Limerick ensures apprentices receive structured mentoring, high-quality learning opportunities, and strong pastoral support.

Pádraig Casey, CEO of Ballyhoura Development CLG, said: “Apprentices who come to us straight from the Leaving Certificate match the capability of many who take the traditional college route. For employers, apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to develop talent; for learners, they offer a faster pathway to full professional qualification — often within five years. Because training starts on day one, we can shape standards and skills in line with real work, building a strong workforce that benefits our organisation and the wider economy.”

Why Apprenticeships Work — for Young People and Employers

• Earn while you learn
  Apprentices receive paid employment from day one, gaining real responsibility and practical experience.
• Job-ready skills
  Weekly workplace learning builds confidence, professional habits, and technical competence that transfer directly into full-time roles.
• Accredited progression
  Graduates can follow a clear pathway, including progression to the ATI Level 8 Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology, supporting long-term career development.
• A proven talent pipeline for employers
  The apprenticeship model aligns education with organisational needs, producing talent that is skilled, culture-fit, and ready to contribute.

Ireland’s apprenticeship system continues to grow. Seventy-eight national apprenticeship programmes are currently available, with nearly 10,000 employers supporting more than 30,000 apprentices nationwide.

Within the Accounting Technicians Ireland framework, there are 764+ registered apprenticeship employers across 25+ sectors, creating over 1,353 accounting job opportunities to date.

In 2025, Ballyhoura Development partnered with ATI on a targeted initiative encouraging Ukrainians living in Ireland to consider accounting careers through the apprenticeship route. The initiative was profiled in a case study on the Ballyhoura Development website and reflects the organisation’s belief that inclusive, practical pathways can open doors for learners from diverse backgrounds.

Mary Gleeson, Financial Controller at Ballyhoura Development CLG and former President of Accounting Technicians Ireland, added: “The Accounting Technician Apprenticeship delivers exceptional value for both learners and employers. Investing in education fees and structured mentoring pays back in highly skilled, committed team members. It has been a privilege to mentor Rebecca and see her succeed, and I look forward to supporting her next steps towards chartered status.”

Find Out More about The Accounting Technician Apprenticeship Programme