Downpatrick’s Aidan McIntaggart and Ballynahinch’s Richard Crawford have driven to success with the Higher Level Apprenticeship.
Aidan and Richard are pursuing a career with Donnelly Group while completing a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Automotive Management.
The Automotive Management Higher Level Apprenticeship which is delivered at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) is one of the Higher Level Apprenticeships developed as part of the Northern Ireland Apprenticeships Strategy – Securing Our Success.
Speaking about their experience so far they said: “We decided to do an apprenticeship because we are hands-on type people. The course allows us to work towards a third level qualification whilst continuing with my employment and earning a salary. This is more than just a normal course; it teaches us how to apply our skills and prepares us for life after education.”
Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, said: “I am committed to growing and developing apprenticeships in Northern Ireland – creating gold standard provision as part of the new skills landscape that will benefit both young people and our economy.
“The benefits of apprenticeships are well documented with apprentices able to earn while they learn, develop and practice skills in the work environment and enhance their future career prospects.
“The development of this and other Higher Level Apprenticeships in priority skills areas are vital for the future success of the Northern Ireland economy. Higher Level Apprenticeships will be available from Foundation Degree to PhD level as we implement the strategy ensuring we deliver the future skills required to support the local economy.”
SERC Curriculum Leader, Ken McKinstry, said: “The development of this apprenticeship demonstrates SERC’s commitment to working with local business to ensure that our curriculum offer is both relevant and meaningful to support the future growth and expansion of local companies. The Higher Level Apprenticeships include a combination of ‘on and off the job’ training. The ‘off the job’ training element is delivered by SERC on a day release basis.”
Robert Fitzpatrick, Donnelly Group HR Manager, added: “Higher Level Apprentices allow us to up skill our existing workforce with the technical skills and knowledge that’s needed to keep up to date with the latest techniques and technologies. At Donnelly Group we are committed to tackling the skills gaps and shortages in the motor industry and the apprenticeship programme allows us to do that. Having received certification from the Institute of the Motor Industry, illustrates that we are investing in our workforce to build our competitive edge while nurturing our future business leaders.”
More information on Higher Level Apprenticeships is available at:
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/
or on the SERC website at:
