A student at North West Regional College (NWRC) who is training in one of the most sought after skills in Northern Ireland, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the N.I. Apprenticeship awards.
Declan McEleney is currently studying for the Level 3 Diploma in Fabrication and Welding, one of many Welding courses offered by NWRC in a bid to tackle the chronic shortage of skilled welders in Northern Ireland.
The 19 year-old, who is also an Apprentice with Fleming Agri, was recently nominated for the NI Apprenticeship awards which seek to recognise excellence and showcase the apprentice opportunities available to young people.
John Cartin, Deputy Head of Training and Skills at NWRC said: “We are delighted with the news that Declan has been shortlisted for this award.
“Interest in Apprenticeships in all areas continues to grow and we are regularly in contact with employers across the North West whose businesses are in urgent need of skilled workers in areas such as Fabrication and Welding, Electrical, and Carpentry and Joinery.
“NWRC seeks to address this skills shortage through the courses and apprenticeships we offer, as well as our Assured Skills academies, with support from the Department for the Economy.
“For our next Assured Skills Welding Academy, we have in excess of 190 applications for 12 places,, and it is encouraging to see such a high level of interest in this highly skilled area.
“Declan is currently in the first year of a two year Welding course with NWRC, and has already proved himself to be a dedicated and talented student, committed to his studies and practical assignments. We wish him the very best in the awards next month.”
Maggy McCartney, HR and Health and Safety at Fleming Agri said: “Declan is committed, attentive and hardworking, we are delighted to have him on the team and wish him great success with the Apprentice of the year finals.”
Declan McEleney said: “It is a great honour to be shortlisted for the NI apprenticeship awards. I participated in placement as part of my course and I would really recommend the Fabrication and Welding course as it is a great trade to learn.”
The Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2021 will be hosted in a special ‘virtual’ awards ceremony on Wednesday 28 April 2021 – one of the highlight events during Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2021, which will run from 26 to 30 April 2021.
For more information on Training and Skills courses at NWRC go to www.nwrc.ac.uk
NWRC will host a virtual Open Day on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 via their website and social media channels.
Open Day gives prospective students the unique opportunity to find out what College life is really like. Log on to explore NWRC’s award-winning campuses and facilities, hear from staff and students, and discover the wide range of support services available at NWRC.
For more information go to www.nwrc.ac.uk/opendays
