Phoenix Energy is helping fuel the future of the natural gas industry with the appointment of four new gas engineer apprentices to its team.
Saul Crooks, 20, from Newtownabbey, Ronan Devenney, 22 from East Belfast, Fionntan McCotter, 19 from North Belfast, and Ben Courtney, 18, from Islandmagee were recently appointed and will be learning the gas trade with expert support while obtaining formal heating and plumbing qualifications as they work towards securing a full-time gas engineer role.
The Phoenix Energy Services apprenticeship is an extensive training programme which runs for three years, combining dedicated in-house training and on the job experience alongside academic qualifications in gas safety, plumbing and heating and providing an opportunity to earn as you learn and increasing access to gas engineering as a result.
Duncan Whelan, Operations Manager at Phoenix Energy Services, said “We’ve had an active apprenticeship programme for quite a number of years now and have recruited some 80 apprentices in that time, the majority of which have remained within the gas industry, demonstrating the long term career potential of the apprenticeship programme.
“Creating opportunities for local people has always been important to us at Phoenix Energy Services and our apprenticeship scheme exists to encourage young people to consider a career in engineering and the natural gas industry. For us it’s about sharing our skills to help develop the gas service engineers of the future and providing them with a bright future at Northern Ireland’s leading gas company.
“With a focus on developing renewable gas solutions for the future, our apprentices will be working closely with renewable gas alternatives and will play a key role in shaping a sustainable energy future for our consumers.”
“We’re delighted to welcome Saul, Ronan, Fionntan and Ben to the team. They all showed great enthusiasm and interest which made it an easy choice to add them to our growing team.”
Commenting on his appointment, Ben, the youngest of the apprentices said: “I had a really keen interest in electrics and plumbing but wasn’t really sure which I wanted to pursue until I saw the Phoenix Energy Services Apprenticeship Programme. Having the opportunity to work alongside experts at the largest gas distribution business and get first-hand experience while earning and gaining formal qualifications was the right fit for me and I’m really excited to start my gas service career with Phoenix.”
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for me and I’m delighted to have secured a place on this year’s programme.”
For more information on the benefits of natural gas visit www.phoenixnaturalgas.com or for more information on the Phoenix Energy Services Apprenticeship scheme visit www.phoenixenergyservices.com.
Caption: Phoenix Energy Services four new apprentices Ben Courtney, Fionntan McCotter, Saul Crooks and Ronan Devenney are pictured alongside Phoenix Energy Services Operations Manager, Duncan Whelan and Phoenix Energy Services Apprentice Mentor, Robert McConnell.