Martin G. O’Brien

Chief Executive

Louth and Meath Education and Training Board

Biography

Martin has extensive experience in educational leadership having served as Principal of Bush Post Primary School, Dundalk prior to accepting the role as Chief Executive Officer of Co Sligo Vocational Education Committee in 2005. His industry Experience in Gypsum Industries PLC has influenced his leadership and management style throughout his career.  Martin has extensive experience of leading major projects and initiatives nationally in training and skills development. He is  former member of the Apprenticeship Council and developed the OEM Traineeship in consultation with Combilift, where he later  supported the development of the OEM Apprenticeship.  He has 18 years’ experience as Chief Executive having served in Sligo VEC, Monaghan VEC, Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board and since 2016 in Louth and Meath Education and Training Board.  Martin headed up several very significant projects during his tenure including the Monaghan Education Campus €40m. He currently oversees a staff of 2,500 and a budget of €150 million annually. His work designing and overseeing the construction of Ireland’s first purpose built Further Education and Training Centre- Monaghan Institute is a flagship project for the FET sector in Ireland.

He has led the establishment of the Island of Ireland Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk, which is one of the global leaders in advanced manufacturing skill training for the current and future manufacturing workforce and is the larges of its type in the EU.  He has spent several years working on various peace projects and has recently signed a number of very significant MOU’s with various partner organisation including Catalyst Connection in Pittsburgh, Institute of Manufacturing Research, the AM Group (a partnership between 3DGBIRE, Create Education, Inspire 3D) and Portview Trade Centre in Belfast.

He is currently leading the development of a number of key initiatives including the establishment of Irelands first Further Education and Training College of the Future in Dunboyne and a new Electrical Apprenticeship Training Centre in Drogheda. Several further initiatives are currently under construction across Louth and Meath.  Martin oversees in excess of 100 building projects across Louth and Meath – including small scale projects and major devolved projects.