Philip chosen as one of 14 Gas Networks Ireland apprentices out of almost 1,100 applicants

Gas Networks Ireland apprentice Philip Cremin from Mallow pictured with his mentor Kieran Lynch.

In 2015, Gas Networks Ireland launched its first apprenticeship programme in over 30 years. 14 apprentices were recruited and began work in September 2015, including Philip Cremin, from Mallow who has been working with his mentor Kieran Lynch, from Blarney. After completing sixth year in Boherbue Comprehensive School, Philip began exploring apprenticeship oppor-tunities, and applied for the Gas Networks Ireland programme. “Although I am only a year into my apprenticeship, it’s amazing how much I have learnt from my mentors in my first year, as they teach us first-hand what is required to maintain Ireland’s gas network, as it heats homes and runs businesses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Travelling around to various Gas Networks Ireland sites with my mentor Kieran, I see the whole country and no two days are the same.”
Kieran Lynch, Philip’s mentor, comments: “I also began my career as an apprentice, and know just how important it is in providing a combination of practical learning and academic qualifications to the apprentices, as they gain skills, knowledge and relevant industry exper-ience. Our apprentices are equally as important to the company as the programme is to them, and it has been really fulfilling to see all the progress Philip has made over the past year.”
The programme is facilitated in partnership with SOLAS. 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.