In this careers series, Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers, speaks with high-profile figures across a range of industries to explore the stories behind their success.
From early career choices to pivotal moments, challenges overcome, and advice for the next generation, every interview offers a personal insight into the many different paths a career can take.
As the Leaving Cert is done and dusted, and thousands of students consider their next steps, we continue our Q&A series with inspiring young people forging their own paths beyond the CAO.
From entrepreneurs to educators, physios to poets, animators to army officers, every story so far has shared one thing: determination.
This week’s feature is no exception.
Katelyn Cummins is a second-year apprentice electrician from Ballyouskill, working with Alpha Drives in Portlaoise.
She’s also a dairy farmer, dancer, and now the 2025 Laois Rose. With grit, grace, and a high-vis jacket, she’s proving that there’s no one “right” way to succeed, and is encouraging other young women to explore the trades, follow their passions, and redefine what success looks like.
1 – What was your very first job, and what did it teach you?
My first job was working in a local country pub called The Wheel Inn in Ballyouskill.
This job taught me confidence and how to interact with adults effectively.
2 – Did you always know you wanted to work in this field, or did your career path evolve over time?
I wasn’t always the biggest fan of school and when the opportunity arose to do work experience in Transition Year, I knew I wanted to make the best out of it.
I was interested in doing a trade apprenticeship but wasn’t sure what trade to choose.
My dad was a huge help and got chatting to our electrician who was more than happy to take me on for the week. After that week, my mind was set on doing an electrical apprenticeship.
3 – What’s one challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
A huge challenge of mine in this career was trying to get employed as a female electrical apprentice in a hugely male dominated world.
This career has so many different sectors, domestic, commercial and industrial. These sectors are all very labour intensive which was pointed out to me, very clearly by many of the electrical companies that I applied to.
I was told many times that ‘a female on site would distract the lads’ or ‘the work is very messy, and it isn’t suitable for a woman.’
Hearing these negative comments was not enough to change my mind, I knew exactly what I wanted, and I wasn’t going to let anyone tell me otherwise.
4 – How important were education and qualifications in getting to where you are today?
Education is not considered to be hugely important when it comes to doing an electrical apprenticeship in Ireland nowadays.
The CAO and traditional points system is not taken into account for any apprenticeship.
5 – What does a typical day look like in your role—or is there no such thing?
Everyday in my job is different, no two days are the same. We have different jobs coming in the door every week, with every panel different to the last.
6 – Who inspired or mentored you along the way, and what did you learn from them?
My mam and dad are my biggest supporters, they always encouraged me to follow my dreams and never give up.
They knew college wasn’t what I wanted and played a huge factor in getting me to where I am today.
7 – What advice would you give to Leaving Cert students who aren’t sure what they want to do yet? Or to adults seeking a career change?
I would tell Leaving Cert students to not rush into anything, just because you’re in on a points based system. Life has so much to offer other than the traditional educational route in third level colleges.
Vast majority of people will find their niche through the experience of life and the adventures it has to offer.
8 – If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Grab every opportunity life throws at you and listen to the advice of older people who have generally been through it all.
9 – What’s next for you—any goals, projects, or new challenges on the horizon?
This summer I will be representing Laois in the Rose of Tralee International Festival 2025. I hope to make the county proud!
I hope to travel after my apprenticeship, across Australia, Canada and America before returning to Ireland to study an engineering degree.
I hope I can be an ambassador for young women across the world who are afraid to take the difficult steps to a career which may not be ‘typical’ or ‘traditional’ for girls/women.
Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers offers one-to-one or small group career advice, in-person or online, to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Follow on Instagram for updates and reminders about all things careers, or head over to the website to book a personalised guidance session.
SEE ALSO – Check out all of the other Martina Mulhall pieces here
