​We don't mean to brag but with apprentices like this it's hard not to!
We are so proud of our first year apprentice, Meghan Russell, who recently won an award for sharing an example of her electrical containment work while taking part in our Improvement Initiative Programme.
This programme allows our staff to use their experience, expertise and creativity for improving the way CJK is run. Their efforts are what continues to source and sustain our innovation culture.

​Last week, CJK welcomed our brand-new electrical apprentices to our dedicated Training & Development Centre in Ballycoolin, Dublin, for their induction day.

The apprentices met with Brian Nolan, CJK’s Apprentice Liaison Officer, and were brought through a variety of activities aimed at enabling them to get to know each other and familiarize themselves with the electrical trade. It made for an impressive introduction to the world of CJK!  
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In 2020, CJK launched its new Training & Development Centre, a dedicated centre of excellence for CJK’s apprentices, comprising of state-of-the-art fully equipped training rooms and workshop training facilities. 

APPRENTICESHIPS AT CJK
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CJK is one of the largest employers of electrical apprentices in Ireland. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices are awarded a Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) National Craft Certificate. This certificate has national and international recognition and is a compulsory requirement for craftsperson status.

The development, training and mentoring apprentices receive with CJK is unparalleled in the marketplace. CJK recognises apprentice’s contribution for a job well done through our Apprentice of the Month Awards.

Apprentices enjoy a varied four years of training in a variety of different sectors. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, CJK commit to taking a number of exceptional newly qualified tradespeople into the business to develop their career further with us.
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At CJK, we are proud of both the number and the quality of apprentices who have served their apprenticeship with us. We recognise the need to ensure our staff are exposed and up-skilled in the latest technical developments associated with their trade.
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The induction event was carried out under strict controls and in line with social distancing protocols. 

​At CJK, we believe everyone deserves a second chance. 💙

Over the last 2 years we have given two Coolmine clients the chance to kickstart their careers. They have both fully embraced their opportunity and are now thriving in their roles as electrical apprentices.

Last week our Executive Director & Founder, Conor Kearney, discussed with Emma Farrell, Aileesh Carew and Robert Rooney, from the Coolmine Corporate Sponsorship Group, why CJK choose to partner with Coolmine.

The Coolmine Therapeutic Community offers recovery and support programmes for alcohol and drug addiction. Conor explained that “we do it because we feel everybody deserves a second chance, or a third for that matter.”

If you fancy an opportunity to work for us view our open vacancies: https://lnkd.in/exDJHK8

​At CJK we understand that mental health is more important than ever right now.

Which is why we are supporting the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity who do incredible work helping families in our industry through crisis.

It's crucial that we support the mental health of our workers by ensuring resources are available to develop a positive mental health and wellbeing culture on construction sites.

For anyone in need of help or assistance please talk to somebody or contact the construction industry helpline on 1800 939 122 (ROI) and 0345 609 1956 (UK).

We are so excited to announce that CJK has been awarded the Access to Apprentice Digital Badge by
Technological University Dublin.
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This is in recognition of our huge contribution and support for the programme, its students and its diversity and inclusion mission!

We have been involved since 2018 and currently have two apprentices who successfully secured a craft apprenticeship through it.

We will display this badge with pride and look forward to welcoming more apprentices from this programme in the future.

For more information on our apprentice programme please click here: https://lnkd.in/dFHBtgT

1. What made you want to work in Construction? 
After getting my degree, I realised I didn’t want to have a career where I was stuck behind a desk all day, every day. I felt I needed to be in an environment where it didn’t feel like groundhog day and  there was something new to be done or seen on a daily basis.
 
2. Why did you become an Electrician?
​It’s something I’ve always had an interest in, doing technology and engineering in school I realised I had a knack for it.

3. Why did you choose CJK? 
Before I started applying for apprenticeships, I did some research and CJK seemed to be the best place for opportunities as well as equality.
 
4. What is your proudest achievement in CJK? 
Getting registered with SOLAS and receiving my full set of new tools.
 
5. What obstacles do you feel you have come up against as a women in construction? 
So far, I thankfully haven’t come across any obstacles. I don’t feel like I am treated any different to any of the other apprentices in CJK.
 
6. In your opinion, why is it important that more women work in construction? 
I feel like a lot of women still feel anxious about being part of an industry that is so male dominated. I believe that if you’re passionate about working in the construction industry nothing should stop you from doing it, regardless of your age or gender. We need more women in construction to diversify the industry and to bring about a change in its perception and culture.