Two apprentices from Mallow-based Blackwater Engineering competed in the National Final of the World Skills 2022 Ireland Competition for welding. Aaron Cremin and Ronan Sheehan, both past pupils of Davis College, and currently in their 4th year of their apprenticeship with the company, competed in the event, with Aaron Cremin taking the overall winner’s spot. Both were nominated to take part by the Waterford ETB as part of their “off-the-job training”. Aaron scooped first place after three days of intensive competition.
The event, which took place over three days in the RDS from 13th-15th September, was organised by Worlds Skills Ireland, a partnership between enterprise, industry, education training and government which raises the profile and recognition of skills and apprenticeships and prepares the talent of today for the careers of the future.
Both Ronan and Aaron commenced their apprenticeships, following a presentation on Metal Fabrication Apprentice-ships, given to the school by Blackwater Engineering and with encouragement from the metalwork teachers Robert Stack and Shane O’Riordan, they both applied for the positions and were successful.
Blackwater Engineering is a leading supplier of stainless-steel process vessels, silos, roadtankers and process systems for the food, dairy, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. In business in Mallow since 1968, the company has been training apprentices in the trade of metal fabrication for over 50 years and has had a number of winners of the skills competition, with the first winner as far back as 1973. Blackwater Engineering takes great pride in the achievements of its apprentices and encourages all apprentices to strive to compete in the annual competition.
Speaking on his success, Aaron Cremin said that he was absolutely delighted with the win and added that the dedication and hard work off the past couple of years had paid off. He is looking forward to finishing his apprenticeship and starting a long career in metal fabrication.
For information on apprenticeships with Blackwater Engineering please contact 022 21795 or email information@blackwaterengineering.ie