LOETB’s National Construction Training Campus Celebrates First Graduation of Skilled Utilities Operator Traineeship

Wednesday, 14th of June 2023, marked a significant milestone for the National Construction Training Campus as the first cohort of trainees graduated from the Skilled Utilities Operator Traineeship. The programme, based on the Irish Water Code of Practice and Standard details, offers comprehensive training spanning 10-12 weeks, including three onsite phases at the campus in Mount Lucas and two on-the-job phases with employers.

Upon successfully completing the Skilled Utilities Operator Traineeship, the trainees were awarded two CABWI (Certification Awarding Body of the Water Industry) qualifications in Mains Layer and Distribution, along with several essential industry-recognised training qualifications. This programme represents a vital step towards bridging the skills gap in the utilities sector by equipping individuals with the necessary expertise and much sought after recognised qualifications.

Speaking at the Graduation Ceremony held at the LOETB Enterprise Hub in Tullamore, LOETB - National Construction Training Campus, Mount Lucas Centre Manager John Kelly congratulated the trainees for all their hard work, and the dedication of their instructors Seamus Connolly, Brian Keating and Oliver Longworth who were in attendance on the day.

He emphasised how,

the success of the Skilled Utilities Operator Traineeship is as a result of the collaboration between the CIF, úisce éireann, CECA and the relevant Contractors and stakeholders. The qualification achieved combined with the experience gained during the training will help improve Health and safety, professionalise the sector and address the skills deficit identified pre development.

Wednesday's Graduation Ceremony also marked the introduction of the first Neil Rocks Perpetual award. This prestigious award honours the late Neil Rocks, a former Instructor at the campus (2016 to 2022) who tragically passed away. During his time with the National Construction Training Campus, Neill made an exceptional contribution to the development and delivery of the Skilled Utilities Operator Traineeship. With over four decades of experience in the construction industry, including his role as a Coffey Construction Foreman, Neil worked on major infrastructure contracts worldwide. This award serves as a testament to Neil's dedication and expertise, inspiring future trainees to follow in his footsteps and contribute to the growth of the utilities sector.

Neil’s family attended the ceremony and his wife Margaret, kindly presenting graduates, Johnathon Whyte, Ciaran McHugh and David Broghan with the first Neil Rocks award for their dedication throughout the duration of the programme.

Dermot Carey , Director Safety & Training at the Construction Industry Federation, expressed his delight at the graduation of the Skilled Utilities Operator Traineeship students.

Today’s graduation of students from the Utility Traineeship is a great day and demonstrates what can be achieved when like minds come together. LOETB / Mount Lucas and a group of contractors saw an opportunity to develop a much needed programme to attract young talent to their industry and stuck with the task – congratulations to all involved and it is an exemplar for others.

The Skilled Utilities Operator Traineeship has yielded highly promising outcomes. Over 90% of trainees successfully secured employment upon completion. This is thanks to the industry-recognised qualification and practical experience gained during the programme. This not only addresses the immediate skills gap but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the utilities industry in Ireland.

The graduation ceremony was attended by the graduate’s employers, Coffey , Shareridge , Murphy Ireland , Ward and Burke along with industry representative from Uisce éireann Irish Water , Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and CECA.

For more information please visit https://mountlucas.ie/service/skilled-utilities-operator-traineeship/