KIRBY GROUP ENGINEERING – APPRENTICE INTAKE JUMPS 100%
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris has welcomed the announcement from Kirby Group Engineering that the firm has doubled its apprentice intake in 2020. The Limerick-based, privately owned company has taken in 80 apprentices for its 4 year programme in 2020, despite the challenges for the economy posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Kirby has benefitted from the skills of apprentices for over 50 years and is now one of the largest apprentice recruiters in the country. The Kirby company portfolio includes successful projects across a range of sectors including data centres, life sciences, industrial, substations and renewables.
Minister Harris said: “I want to thank Kirby’s for their leadership in this area. This is an inspiring example to others of a growing company allowing trainees the chance to shine and help forge new paths for themselves, the employer and the Irish economy. I hope this encourages other companies to tap into the talent of the apprentice market. Apprentices are good for employers, good for apprentices and good for business also.”
KIRBY GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR
Kirby Group Managing Director Mark Flanagan says apprentices are a valued part of the company. “Many of our senior leaders – including myself – began training through an apprenticeship and our company thrives on the diversity of colleagues’ career paths. Once on board, everyone works the ‘Kirby Way’ and that offers a collaborative, challenging and supportive start to a career. 2020 has been a tough year for everyone but at Kirby we’re confident that our pipeline of projects offers exciting opportunities to our apprentices and teams in Ireland and abroad.”
The Kirby Apprenticeship Programme provides recruits with excellent structured technical training, graduated practical work challenges, coaching and mentoring and structured personal development and support. Many Kirby apprentices have competed successfully at international level.
Applications are now open for the 2021 Kirby Apprentice programme and demand is being monitored by the company, with a view to possibly expanding intake once more. The company’s looking for bright, action oriented, analytical candidates, who are interested in how and why things work and who are practically-minded. The apprenticeship programme offers the chance to develop into world-class electrical, mechanical and E&I site professionals. Full details and application information are available at www.kirbygroup.com.
Photo: Mike Shaughnessy
Denise Maguire Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine