Ronan Quinn, Apprentice Programme Manager
Suir Engineering is thrilled to announce that Ronan Quinn has been appointed as the company’s new Apprentice Programme Manager. With extensive experience gained from his early days in the trade and through various roles, Ronan brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position.
This appointment reflects Suir Engineering’s continued focus on nurturing talent and investing in the future of our current workforce. Ronan’s leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the careers of many aspiring individuals in the years to come.
1. Tell us a little about your background and explain how your experience will benefit you in this role?
I started working in the electrical industry in 1998, after qualifying as an electrician, I went on to complete a degree in electrical engineering in 2009. I’ve worked on a huge variety of projects across 4 different countries, from small scale housing developments to large scale oil and gas plants and pharmaceutical facilities. I’ve held various roles over the years including electrician, tester, LOTO coordinator. QA/QC, chargehand, foreman and construction manager. I also worked as a self-employed contractor for a time. Having worked with apprentices continuously in all these roles I have seen firsthand the value they bring to a business. I joined Suir Engineering in 2016 and since then I’ve seen people start apprenticeships and in a short time make huge progress in their career. I think my experience in the industry will benefit me in this new role, I hope to encourage apprentices to make the most of the opportunity they have in this industry with a company like Suir Engineering while sharing some industry experience.
2. Can you tell us more about the new Training Facility in Citywest and how it can help apprentices?
The training facility in Citywest, known as the Apprentice Centre of Excellence, has been operating for over a year now with over 200 apprentices having been through the doors. It is a fantastic facility which is used for a variety of purposes, we have a state-of-the-art classroom, fully fitted workshop and 14 individual cubicles modelled on the facilities apprentices will be use in their off the job college modules. The aim is to give apprentices an overview of what each college phase will look like with practical and theory modules being covered. We also run SOP training, modules on quality, BIM, EHS awareness and SPA training. Each apprentice will visit the centre for inductions before going to site when first hired and again for 1 week before each college phase. There are three instructors involved with a combined 96 years’ experience between us, we feel we are in good position to coach and mentor the newest members of the business. We also try to cover gaps in experience where apprentices on different projects may get more opportunity to work on certain tasks than others.
3. Do you believe your experience working on-site will have a positive impact in this role?
The construction industry has changed a lot in the past 20 - 30 years with a huge focus on Environmental, Health and Safety being the most important change. In the Citywest training centre we aim to highlight why an understanding of safety in the early years of an apprentice’s career is so important. Having seen the old and new approaches to safety I feel I can speak from experience on why Suir safety policies and procedures are there. We aim to ensure everyone buys into the safety culture which starts with apprentices.
4. What are your current goals as an Apprentice Programme Manager, and which specific areas would you like to focus on improving?
My main goals are to ensure that the apprentices successfully complete their 4-year apprenticeship but also that they receive the highest level of training the company offers allowing them to reach their full potential. We try to encourage job ownership and a sense of responsibility in planning and completing tasks which is important for apprentices as they progress through their careers. We are currently reviewing the phase 4 and 6 syllabuses with external subject matter experts to ensure we are providing the most up to date information and practical projects. The industry changes quickly and we need to make sure that we provide the most relevant information available.
5. How will you ensure that apprentices feel supported, motivated, and engaged throughout their learning?
There are various recognition programmes currently running on individual sites where safety and quality is awarded. I plan to work closely with the Suir Wellbeing team to work on new campaigns such as the Apprentice Spotlight to ensure we are appreciating the work that Apprentices do. We aim to have a monthly award for apprentices who go above and beyond in their work. There will also be one overall apprentice of the year award. We will reach out to sites in the coming weeks with details. My role will also involve being a point of contact for the apprentices if they are having issues onsite or during their time in college where some assistance may be needed. Additional grinds or extra time in the training centre can be provided if someone is concerned coming up to exams.
6. Supporting mental health is essential when working with young people. How do you think you can support them in this aspect?
Suir Engineering have put a huge emphasis on supporting people in the business with their mental health. During their week in the training centre, the apprentices are introduced to 4 - 5 mental health first aiders, contact details are made available and EAP information is provided. It is important that young people in the business understand there is help available if they feel they need to talk. This support is available all year round and not just when they are in the training centre. Sometimes people may not feel comfortable speaking directly to someone onsite so having other options with some of the people in the training centre may be of benefit if needed.
Ronan Quinn Appointed as the new Apprentice Programme Manager for Suir Engineering