Auryn Souness, a 33-year-old Supply Chain Manager apprentice living in Clonlara County Clare has won a prestigious ‘Logistics’ award at Ireland’s National Apprentice of the Year Awards 2026 ceremony.
Auryn Souness who is now in this second year of completing his Supply Chain Manager apprenticeship with Johnson and Johnson Vision in Limerick where he now works as a Global Supply Manager, was selected from a record number 508 nominees nationwide at a superb 2026 ceremony in the RDS, Dublin, attended by more than 500 guests.
The award recognises the leadership, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills of Auryn Souness and highlights strong apprenticeship skills and talent that is developing across County Clare and Limerick.
Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Marian Harkin TD presented 17 awards, including the ‘Logistics’ industry award to Auryn Souness, and the overall Apprentice of the Year award to Sapna Sian, a Manufacturing Technology apprentice with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care in Limerick.
Auryn Souness, winner of the Apprentice of the Year (Logistics) Award said:
“I am thrilled to receive this national Apprentice of the Year (Logistics) Industry Award and honoured to bring this award back to the Vision team in Limerick. The Supply Chain Manager apprenticeship with Johnson & Johnson has really opened doors for me and allowed me to connect my learning with practical workplace experience as I build confidence in my skills and develop in my career.”
“Apprenticeships provides a valuable opportunity to understand an industry from the inside while developing the skills needed to succeed in the Supply Chain and Logistics sector, and I am very proud to have my skills recognised with this special award.”
Deirdre Mc Donnell, CEO of SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland said:
“Apprenticeships provide a valuable pathway to rewarding careers and help employers develop the skills they need. Congratulations to Auryn Souness and all 17 award winners and every nominee on this well-deserved recognition.”
Hazel Johnston, the 2023 National Apprentice of the Year and a graduate of the Manufacturing Engineering apprenticeship, was presented with a ‘2026 Facts, Faces, Futures Outstanding Ambassador’ Award, recognising her contribution to raising awareness of apprenticeship as a career pathway for women.”
Overseen by SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, the National Apprentice of the Year Awards celebrates the finest talent across the apprenticeship system in Ireland who are building successful and rewarding career with apprenticeships.
Apprentices can be nominated by employers, training providers or anyone who knows an apprentice well. Nominees are judged on their skills and qualities in areas including leadership, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving.
Find out more about the Apprentice of the Year Awards and 89 national apprenticeships available at www.apprenticeship.ie.