25 year old Keltech Phase 3 Metal Fabrication Apprentice Gerard Grace says he knew from an early age he wanted to work with his hands. “My 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.”
Gerard was born in Queen’s, 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 “In school I was always more into the technical subjects such as; tech graphics, wood work, metal work, technology and so on”…
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 “I knew college wasn’t for me, I wanted to work”.
After a couple of temporary jobs locally Gerard successfully applied for a position at Keltech in 2021. “It 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.”
Quickly Gerard was identified by Keltech senior management as a candidate with high potential “I 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”.
Declan Walsh Keltech COO “when 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.”
Gerard will start phase 4 of his QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Metal Fabrication early in 2025. Piotr Starosciak (Gerard’s Mentor)“The 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”.
Gerard concludes, “I would of never went to traditional 3rd level, however I must say I have thoroughly enjoyed the offsite classroom phases of my apprenticeship. It has really broadened my understanding of the full fabrication process, so much so id consider getting into the drawing/engineering development side of things in the future.
For anyone considering an apprenticeship id say go for it. I earn while I learn, I buy the bikes I want (currently a CBR 500) im coming to work everyday and im making stuff, it doesn’t feel like a job..”
Apprenticeship’s on the rise again
In a well-functioning economy there is a need for a broad skills base where equal value is attributed to both academic and trade qualifications.
On the back of initiatives aimed at increasing apprenticeship uptake, there were 8,712 new apprenticeships commenced last year, bringing to 27,470 the total of apprentices currently in training.
This marks a significant improvement in apprentices over the past decade, when Ireland was producing less than 3,000 qualified apprentices annually.
Keltech’s core most valuable asset is our people, investment in our people is investment in our company’s future.
All enquiries for employment should be directed to careers@keltech.ie.