John Madden thinks the government has 'dropped the ball' on apprenticeships.
A Midlands building engineer says there's no incentive for young people to take on apprenticeships.
John Madden from Madden and Associates, in Mullingar, also believes builders are reluctant to make the expensive four year commitment to train an apprentice.
He says even massive investment now won't bear fruit for four or five years.
Mr. Madden wants the government to do more for employers and apprentices:
Public Meeting Set To Take Place On Proposed Westmeath Climate Centre
A public meeting on Climate House Ireland's proposal for Moydrum is taking place on June 18th at TUS Athlone.
Offaly Teacher Who Faked Two Pregnancies Avoids Further Jail Time
43 year old Eimear Carroll of Hillside, Seffin, Birr has pleaded guilty to charges of false documents and claiming fraudulent payments amounting to almost €60,000.
HSE Seeks Retention Permission For Coffee Dock At Laois Hospital
A decision is due July 28th.
Offaly Pupils Become Local Stars After Publishing Bestselling Book
Five students from Scoil Mhuire Naofa in Rhode have written 'The Rise of Evan O'Connor'.
Katie Taylor To Fight At Croke Park In September
The Bray woman will take on France's Floria Pill on September 5th.
Offaly Gardaí Renew Appeal For Witnesses To Firearm Incident
It took place at a house in Tullamore in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Cruinniú Na nÓg Returns With Workshops And Events Across Region
The initiative will be taking place across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath
Ukrainian President Seeking Face-To-Face Talks With Vladimir Putin
The Russian President could respond to the letter sent to him this afternoon.
Ireland’s Oldest Person Dies Aged 109
Eileen Hynes lived until the age of 109.
Midlands Hospice Long Overdue - Hospice Fundraising Committee
An Coimisiún Pleanála granted permission for the hospice yesterday.
Westmeath Town Set For First Official Pride Parade This Weekend
The event it taking place in Athlone.
Westmeath Business Wins €15k Award For Supporting Irish Business
Flamers was recognised by Guaranteed Irish.
€1bn Data Centre And Energy Campus Approved For Westmeath
The green light has been given for the proposed facility near Rochfortbridge.
Laois TD Criticises Lack Of EV Charging Infrastructure
The Transport Minister says 24 charging points are planned for Laois.
JFK 50 Mile Challenge Returns To Midlands
The route passes through Westmeath, Meath and Cavan.
Midlands Man To Stand Trial Over Alleged €200k Deception Case
Bright Banda will appear in Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court next month.
EPA Seeks Tougher Action On Illegal Peat Cutting
Midlands sites were highlighted for illegal peat extraction.
Laois Shop Owner Hopeful Businesses Will Be Helped By Over The Shop Grant
The owner of Midland Hardware in Rathdowney David Ryan says it will increase their busy customer base.
Laois Councillor Backs Council Buying Derelict Town Centre Properties
Fine Gael Councillor for Rathdowney, John King feels it will add a new lease of life to the town centre.
Midlands TD Calls For Public Access To Rare Disease Treatment
Skyclarys is the first approved therapy demonstrated to slow disease progression.
