Castleknock Apprentice one year in to Gas Networks Ireland Apprenticeship Programme
Conor Maher, from Castleknock, County Dublin, chosen as one of 14 Gas Networks Ireland apprentices out of almost 1,100 applicants
In 2015, Gas Networks Ireland, the owner and operator of Ireland’s natural gas network, launched its first apprenticeship programme in over 30 years. 14 apprentices were recruited and began work in September 2015, including Conor Maher, from Castleknock in Dublin. Conor has been working with his mentor Frank Gooding, from Tallaght, Dublin.
Gas Networks Ireland launched the apprenticeship programme to ensure the company could attract and nurture top talent to continue to deliver on its operational and strategic objectives. The programme provides mentor-led apprenticeships in mechanical automation and maintenance fitting, electrical instrumentation and pipefitting.
After completing sixth year in St Vincent's Castleknock College in Dublin, Conor Maher began exploring apprenticeship opportunities, and applied for the Gas Networks Ireland programme:
"My dad was an electrician, and I grew up doing odd-jobs with him and always really enjoyed it. In preparation for my Leaving Cert English exam in Castleknock College, my teacher, Mr Deasy, encouraged me to read a newspaper every weekend, which is how I came across the ad for the apprenticeship programme. The apprenticeship provided me with a chance to get the best of both worlds, to study and get hands-on experience in a trade I was interested in. I have learnt so much in my first year on the apprenticeship programme, having a partnership with a mentor and a great team to learn from means I have had an all-encompassing learning experience this year, a mix of practical and academic."
"It has been really fulfilling to see the huge amount of progress Conor has made this year. In my early years, I worked with the one of the last apprentices Gas Networks Ireland took on, over 30 years ago. I’m delighted that the company re-launched their apprenticeship programme last year, and it has been a real learning experience for me too – learning how to concisely explain the way we do what we do to the company’s newest talent."
Frank Gooding - Conor's Mentor
"The apprenticeship programme is extremely important for Gas Networks Ireland, because it allows us to pass on our knowledge and experience within the company, attracting and nurturing the brightest in-house talent. I would like to congratulate Conor on a fantastic first year of his apprenticeship programme."
Brian Flynn - Gas Technical Competency Training Manager
The programme is facilitated in partnership with SOLAS. The apprentices receive on-site training with Gas Networks Ireland technical training coaches and will also attend formal classes in the Educational Training Boards, Metac facility and in appropriate Institutes of Technology. On completion of the Apprenticeship Programme, successful trainees will be awarded a Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft. This is recognised nationally and internationally as the requirement for craftsperson status.
For further information:
Murray
Aimee Beale 086 151 4024
Gas Networks Ireland
Mary O’ Mahony 086 834 2277
Notes to Editor:
About Gas Networks Ireland
Gas Networks Ireland is the business division of Ervia that owns, operates and develops the natural gas network in Ireland and connects all customers to the gas network. Gas Networks Ireland operates one of the most modern and safe gas networks in the world, consisting of 13,000km of pipeline around Ireland. We ensure that almost 674,000 homes and businesses receive a safe, efficient and secure supply of natural gas, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Ervia is a commercial semi-state multi-utility company with responsibility for the delivery of gas and water infrastructure and services in Ireland.
Issued by Murray on behalf of Gas Networks Ireland