Advanced SearchMEGA thanks to Una McCabe
Posted On: 14 Jan 2026
Una McCabe, Degree Apprenticeship and Mentor Lead at MEGA – Manufacturing & Engineering Growth & Advancement in Mid Ulster, is one of the contributors in the latest Journal of Cross Border Studies in Ireland (Volume 20, 2025) and her article covers apprenticeships, mentorship, and all-island opportunities.
Una said: “I’m delighted to share this milestone.”
“If you had told my 11‑year‑old self, fresh from failing the 11+, or my 18‑year‑old self after failing an A‑level, that one day I would write an article for a published journal… she would have laughed in disbelief.
“And yet… here we are.
“If you fancy some light reading, you’ll find my article on page 116, covering apprenticeships, industry barriers to apprenticeship pathways, the impact of effective mentorship, and an all‑island apprenticeship model and the opportunities it presents.
“It was a genuine honour to write alongside such brilliant contributors, and I’m excited for future collaborations in apprenticeship development across the island of Ireland.
“To the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation’s Anthony Soares: thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to future opportunities to work together.
“MEGA thanks to the MEGA team for their support and encouragement to get this over the line!”
Maria Curran, Project Director at MEGA, added her congratulations to Una on her first published article on apprenticeships and said that the entire MEGA – Manufacturing & Engineering Growth & Advancement network is incredibly proud of Una and excited to see what comes next.
“Since joining the MEGA team in June 2022, Una has made an incredible impact. She very quickly settled in and went on to create what has become a truly special and highly valued mentoring programme.
“Una has a rare ability to genuinely understand young people. She is a fantastic communicator, leads with empathy, and brings deep insight into the challenges and opportunities facing apprentices today. That understanding shines through clearly in this article.
“The piece is thoughtful, insightful, and perfectly reflects Una’s growth and evolving leadership in her role as MEGA Apprenticeship and Mentoring Lead. It captures not only the policy and practice of apprenticeships, but the human side of them too – which is where Una truly excels.”
