![\"\"](\"https:\/\/keltech.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Keltech-Manufacturing-0111-scaled-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n25 year old Keltech Phase 3 Metal Fabrication Apprentice Gerard Grace says he knew from an early age he wanted to work with his hands. \u201cMy Dad is a carpenter, he emigrated to the USA when he was just 17, he is a hard worker and an excellent tradesperson, he made a real go of it over there, that rubs off.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Gerard was born in Queen\u2019s, New York where he spent his early years. He was 8 when the family decided to return to Irish shores. Gerard went to Mount Sion CBS \u201cIn school I was always more into the technical subjects such as; tech graphics, wood work, metal work, technology and so on\u201d\u2026<\/p>\n
Gerard who completed his leaving cert in 2018 recalls being constantly told by his teachers that 3rd level education was the best route to take after school, however \u201cI knew college wasn\u2019t for me, I wanted to work\u201d.<\/p>\n
After a couple of temporary jobs locally Gerard successfully applied for a position at Keltech in 2021. \u201cIt was a breath of fresh air when I walked into the factory. I love machinery, here was a company on my door step making parts for the likes of Volvo, JCB, and Caterpillar, it was exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Quickly Gerard was identified by Keltech senior management as a candidate with high potential \u201cI\u00a0 started in the paintshop for a few weeks but soon after moved into final assembly. I was very comfortable with the assembly of complex components. I think because im always tinkering with motor bikes and stuff it just came naturally\u201d.<\/p>\n
Declan Walsh Keltech COO<\/strong> \u201cwhen it came to appointing our 2022 Apprentices Gerard was a natural choice. He displayed all the of key traits we look for, his attitude is second to none.\u201d<\/p>\n Gerard will start phase 4 of his QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft \u2013 Metal Fabrication early in 2025. Piotr Starosciak (Gerard\u2019s Mentor)<\/strong>\u201cThe blend of on the job and classroom training has been brilliant for Gerard, he has quickly developed a repertoire of fabrication skills that have already made him a huge asset to my team. With every stage of the programme Gerard has made huge leaps forward\u201d.<\/p>\n