Colleen O’Boyle, Engineering Apprentice at Mallaghan, has been announced as a finalist at the 2020 Northern Ireland Apprentice Awards.
From Coalisland, Co.Tyrone, Colleen joined Mallaghan in September 2017 and has been shortlisted for the Higher-Level Apprentice Award.
The awards, which will take place at the Titanic Hotel, Belfast on 6th February, recognise apprentices who are making a significant contribution in their workplace and who have shown a dedication to excel in their professional development and learning.
Colleen, who studied at St. Joseph’s College, Coalisland and South West College said:
“My experience at Mallaghan really exceeded my expectations of what an apprenticeship could be like. I have learnt so much and received extremely valuable guidance and advice.
“Mallaghan has a presence in seven locations globally and its products are sold to over 100 customers in the aviation sector. Whilst I am based at the Headquarters in Dungannon, the experience of working with our global offices and internationally renowned customers has been incredibly rewarding.
“I’d like to thank Mallaghan and South West College for supporting me throughout my apprenticeship. I am thrilled to be named as a finalist in the 2020 Northern Ireland Apprentice Awards and look forward to sharing my experience with others.”
Colleen is now employed as a Manufacturing Engineer at Mallaghan which is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of airport ground support equipment such as passenger stairs, catering trucks and de-icers.
The company employs 450 people and last year entered the Airport Bus market with the launch of the Mallaghan 50W – the largest capacity airport bus in the world, carrying up to 125 passengers. The first order came from Ryanair with a multimillion-pound contract for the build of 32 buses to be used at airports across Europe.
The company has also recently secured an order with leading US airline Delta for its Maintenance Platform Lifts.
Colleen continued:
“I have developed so many skills working with Mallaghan throughout my apprenticeship and now as a full-time employee.
“The company has ambitious growth plans both in Northern Ireland and further afield, and I am very excited to be playing a role in that expansion.”
Sinead Gaynor, HR Manager at Mallaghan said:
“At Mallaghan we have partnered with South West College to create apprenticeship opportunities for young people for a number of years.
“We currently have approximately 25 apprentices across various areas of the business and we are thrilled that Colleen’s hard work has been recognised by the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards.
“Colleen is a perfect example of how apprenticeships are still a popular route to employment particularly within engineering and manufacturing businesses such as Mallaghan.
“Through our apprenticeship programme we can recruit talented, ambitious young people and equip them with the skills and knowledge to become full time members of staff.
“On behalf of the Mallaghan team, I would like to congratulate Colleen on being shortlisted for these prestigious awards.”
Mallaghan apprenticeships are delivered in partnership with South West College and the programme is part of the company’s commitment to recruiting and retaining engineering talent within the Mid-Ulster region.
To find out more about apprenticeship or career opportunities with Mallaghan, please visit http://mallaghangse.com/careers/ or contact the team on +44 (0) 28 8772 3444.