Insurance Apprentice of the Year 2026 | Acorn Financial
Our Apprentice Saoirse Holmes Wins National Insurance Award
We're delighted to share that our colleague Saoirse Holmes has won the Apprentice of the Year 'Insurance' industry award at Ireland's National Apprentice of the Year Awards 2026.
Saoirse, 23, from Dundalk, is completing her Insurance Practitioner apprenticeship with us here at Acorn Financial Services on River Lane. She was one of just 17 award winners chosen from a record 508 nominees nationwide, which makes this a huge achievement.
A night to remember at the RDS
The award was presented at a ceremony in the RDS, Dublin, attended by more than 500 guests. Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Marian Harkin TD presented the 17 awards on the night.
Earning and learning: Saoirse's insurance apprenticeship in Dundalk
Speaking about her win, Saoirse said:
"I am delighted to receive this award, which is so unexpected, and thrilled to receive such a wonderful recognition so early into my apprenticeship journey.
"I am thoroughly enjoying earning and learning with the Insurance Practitioner apprenticeship at Acorn Financial Services and I would like to thank all of my amazing colleagues at Acorn Financial for the support.
"This recognition shows that apprentices can make a valuable contribution while they are still learning and developing their careers, and I am honoured to receive this award as I progress along my apprenticeship journey and career."
Minister Harkin added: "Apprentices are at the heart of Ireland's skilled workforce. I wish to congratulate Saoirse Holmes on this incredible achievement, along with all 508 nominees. Their talent, commitment and skills are helping to shape Ireland's future workforce."
About the National Apprentice of the Year Awards
The National Apprentice of the Year Awards are run by SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority. They recognise the contribution of more than 31,000 apprentices across Ireland. Apprentices can be nominated by employers, training providers or anyone who knows them well. They're judged on skills and qualities such as leadership, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving.
Deirdre McDonnell, CEO of SOLAS, said: "Apprenticeships provide a valuable pathway to rewarding careers and help employers develop the skills they need. Congratulations to Saoirse Holmes, all 17 award winners and every nominee on this well-deserved recognition."
From all of us at Acorn
Everyone here is so proud of Saoirse. She brings energy, care and real skill to her work every day, and this award is very well deserved. Her win also shows the strength of apprentice talent here in County Louth.
Congratulations, Saoirse. We can't wait to see where your career takes you next.
Find out more about working at Acorn Financial Services. Contact us HERE
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