NI firm achieves Outstanding Availability Performance for ScottishPower Renewables’ Wind Farms in Ireland
Belfast renewables firm Everun is celebrating the announcement they’ve achieved exceptional performance as the latest provider of Service and Maintenance (S&M) services for ScottishPower Renewables’ wind farms across Ireland.
Since taking over the contract in April 2022 and additional contracts in October 2022, Everun has reported a high level of wind farm availability during operation, demonstrating commitment to ensuring efficient and uninterrupted renewable energy generation.
The results represent a continual improvement of the performance on ScottishPower Renewables wind farms across Ireland. In the wind farm industry availability is the measure of the potential for a wind turbine or wind farm to generate electrical power. What this means is that if a turbine is “available” and there is sufficient connectivity to the grid along with other conditions such as wind speeds then power will be able to be generated.
As a renowned renewable energy company, ScottishPower Renewables has been actively developing and operating wind farms across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Its developments play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy solutions, contributing to a greener and more environmentally friendly future.
Everun’s selection as the S&M provider for ScottishPower Renewables’ wind farms is a testament to their expertise and dedication to maintaining optimal performance and longevity of renewable energy assets.
Ian Thomson, Head of Field Operations at ScottishPower Renewables, said: “We are really pleased with the Service and Maintenance support Everun has provided so far, with consistent delivery of results. Their high levels of commitment and performance has allowed us to not only minimise any downtime on our wind farms, but to also maximise the energy production and ultimately optimise the operations on our Irish sites.”
“We are delighted to have achieved such outstanding availability performance for ScottishPower Renewables’ wind farms in Ireland,” said Michael Thompson, Managing Director of Everun.
“Since assuming the S&M contract in April 2022 we have worked tirelessly to implement proactive maintenance strategies and deploy cutting-edge technologies to optimise wind farm operations.
“Our goal is to support ScottishPower Renewables in their commitment to delivering clean energy while surpassing industry standards in terms of availability and performance.”
Through the deployment of advanced monitoring systems and data analytics, Everun has successfully identified potential issues proactively, allowing for timely interventions and minimising any disruptions to energy generation.
Ongoing diligent efforts have resulted in improved availability across the applicable wind farms, ensuring a reliable and consistent supply of renewable energy to the Irish power grid.
The partnership has not only driven sustainable energy generation but has also enhanced the economic benefits and job creation opportunities within the renewable energy sector in Ireland.
As Ireland continues its ambitious journey towards achieving renewable energy targets, the collaboration between Everun and ScottishPower Renewables sets a benchmark for operational excellence and underscores their joint commitment to a sustainable future.
For more information on the services provided by Everun go to everun.ltd
A new restaurant and bar has opened at Castlereagh Hills Golf Course.
The Hills Bar & Restaurant, founded by entrepreneur and owner of Dished Up Deli catering company Philip Davison, has created 10 new jobs for the venue with plans to add to the team throughout the summer.
The menu consists of a variety of classic homemade dishes focused on supporting local producers.
From Sunday lunch and breakfast frys to burgers, fish dishes and a range of delicious desserts the bar and restaurant is open seven days a week for both members of the golf club and the public.
Philip said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to manage the hospitality services here at Castlereagh Hills Golf Course and I’m delighted to bring the Hills Bar & Restaurant brand to our patrons.
“Not only are there breathtaking views across the green but we have the ability to host up to 150 people for private functions such as weddings, funerals, christenings, birthdays, engagements and much more.”
Based at the stunning location of Castlereagh Hills Golf Course, the aptly named The Hills Bar & Restaurant boasts scenic views of the magnificent Castlereagh countryside.
Located less than five miles from Belfast city centre, the family-run restaurant has an impressive menu of local cuisine and is the ideal location for those after a quick scone and coffee, lunch or an evening meal and beverage in the fully licenced bar.
Attending the official opening of The Hills Bar & Restaurant, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Thomas Beckett said: “I was pleased to attend the launch of the newly opened The Hills Bar & Restaurant at Castlereagh Hills Golf Course. Having gained a merited reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s best hidden gem courses, The Hills is a welcomed addition to the popular 18-hole golf course in the Lisburn Castlereagh area.
“The menu has a varied offering coupled with the remarkable views from the balcony overlooking the course, this is sure to be a popular eatery with golfers and members of the public alike.”
Catering for all types of functions including birthdays, weddings and other family gatherings in our stunning, modern and bright setting, The Hills Bar & Restaurant is open daily from 10am.
Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Andrew Gowan said: “It is encouraging to see this new venture in the Lisburn Castlereagh area, offering a local option for families, individuals and couples to enjoy an eating out experience.
“The family-run restaurant prides themselves on excellent customer service so I would encourage locals and those further afield to come down and enjoy The Hills experience.”
Mr Davison added: “We are thrilled to open here at the scenic Castlereagh Hills Golf Course and to be able to welcome members of the public and golfers to our fully licensed bar and restaurant.
“You can expect excellent customer service, a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and good wholesome cuisine. We also have an express menu for golfers to enjoy before or after their round plus our popular, traditional Sunday lunch.”
As companies struggle to manage their energy costs data solution experts Izon has developed unique systems to better understand how to reduce costs and improve returns on investment.
The Belfast-based tech firm has software that helps monitor, manage, and control assets that support businesses in turning information into knowledge which is actionable to produce real time asset management.
Izon’s Sales Manager, Stuart Lunn, explained that the use of energy is inevitable in the modern economy, but the impact it has on costs and the environment.
“Energy consumption is something businesses and organisations are mindful of,” he said. “In fact, any business that seriously wants to achieve a reduction in their carbon footprint needs to dedicate themselves to an energy management plan.
“A company can vow to reduce its carbon footprint, but if it doesn’t know where it’s wasting electricity or fuel, how can meaningful changes be made? It’s as the saying goes: you cannot improve what you do not measure.”
However, the amount of data can overwhelm, resulting in meaningless numbers and facts that are difficult to interpret.
“You need helpful, actionable data,” said Mr Lunn. “This is something Izon recognised, and we’ve built an energy management platform that does all the hard work for businesses. We turn live data into information that actually helps you make quick decisions.”
The Izon asset management platform provides users with useful, real-time data at a glance. Data from all assets is localised on one platform, on a single screen, making asset monitoring and energy management easier than it’s ever been.
The Izon asset management platform doesn’t discriminate. No matter how big or small the assets, whether it’s an office’s HVAC system or an entire farm of wind turbines, Izon gathers all the data in one place.
“The beauty of the Izon platform is that it’s completely customisable — making it a tool that can be used by any business, no matter the industry or sector,” explained Mr Lunn. “Izon users can build a dashboard that works for them, a centralised location that showcases data tailored to business needs.”
“It is an asset management solution that caters to their specific business needs. Izon works to understand its clients. We learn what businesses do and how they operate in order to build them a platform that shows them the information they actually need.”
Izon believes that the driver for using actionable information is driven by results and the fact that the Izon platform makes immediate action possible, enabling businesses to be at the forefront of the battle against climate change, leading the pack.
“Insight provides the foundations for action, helping businesses and organisations to drive change in their respective industries,” said Mr Lunn. “You can’t change what you don’t know.
It’s time to take that first step towards knowing where your business is unsustainable, limiting energy waste, and reducing your organisation’s carbon footprint.
“We know the sustainability journey can seem daunting, and how you traverse this is far from clear. We are always open to help advise, and show the possibilities that are open to you, which extend far beyond simple regulatory compliance.”
For more information about Izon or to request a demo of what can be achieved go to www.getizon.com
Leading Northern Ireland renewables experts, Everun, are calling on businesses to embrace the circular economy to recycle, reuse and repair in efforts to reach net zero carbon impact and work towards a sustainable ethos to benefit all.
The company has already seen the benefits of the circular economy, with decommissioned wind turbines being turned into bridges and children’s climbing frames.
Everun Sales and Business Development Director, Ross Moffett, said as a company specialising in renewable energy including wind and solar, taking on board the principles of the circular economy matched their business model, but can be applied to all businesses.
“The world is working on the old economic model of ‘take, make, waste’ and we are all seeing the damage that it is causing,” he said.
“The values of the circular economy are that business can reduce that damage and create new opportunities for development and employment.
“What we have seen from our projects is that it is not only possible but practical to apply them. We at Everun believe that it is possible for all businesses to begin their journey to adapt to the circular economy.
“For us, it’s not just the transaction of creating renewable energy, it’s about being sustainable throughout that process, and continuing to be sustainable within ourselves.”
To date, blades from decommissioned wind turbines have been used to create bridges on Cork’s Greenway, climbing frames in play parks and selling magnets from gearboxes to be repurposed for future use.
“As a renewable energy specialist, it was incumbent on Everun to examine what we can do to reduce waste in all that we do. Our journey began almost three years ago and it has been transformative for ourselves as well as our customers,” said Mr Moffett.
“From large projects right through to our employees’ idea to take coffee grounds from our coffee machine and put them into the food caddies for our staff to take and use for adding nutrients to their soil and grass.”
Mr Moffett said even the smallest initiatives can start a business’ journey towards becoming part of the circular economy.
“We have worked with our suppliers to make sure that their packaging is environmentally friendly and recyclable,” he explained.
“That simple step ripples throughout the supply chain as that supplier can now offer that same packaging to other clients and understand that it is now possible to look at other ways that they can become greener.
“In a similar way, how we transport products can have a real impact. “Moving from the just in time model of ordering to building up stock and partnering with others to share shipping can reduce not only costs but the carbon footprint of each part.”
Whilst advocating for embracing sustainability and the circular economy, Mr Moffett recognises that it can be easier for some companies than others.
“All businesses can start small in their journey to net zero. Look at your waste, packaging and other key elements of the business and ask what small changes can be made that will have a longer term impact” he said.
Although it can be challenging to get getting leadership buy in, it’s a challenge that can be overcome with the right mindset, partners and resources. As a renewables company installing wind turbines, solar PV, EV chargers and smart motors it is important for Everun to show its clients that they too can walk the walk.
“It’s important to take time, really consider your sustainability strategy and ensure you have a robust plan of action and buy in at every level within the business.”
“This is why we are proud to be sponsors of the All Ireland Sustainability Awards later this year. This is a great opportunity for businesses who don’t quite know how they can contribute to see some fantastic case studies. And for businesses who are working hard at putting climate change on their priority list, it’s the place to be recognised and congratulated for your work.
“The circular economy is not just words, or papers from COP, policies from Europe, or our own Net Zero targets. It is common sense actions that will make a difference to your business.”
Sam Barr, Healthy Mind Coaching, Belfast Pic by Kaja Choma | Excalibur Press For more information contact Tina Calder or Hannah Chambers on 07305354209 / tina@excaliburpress.co.uk / publicity@excaliburpress.co.uk
One of the biggest issues facing people who are suffering from anxiety and stress is taking that first step towards getting help.
According to Sam Barr of Healthy Mind Coaching and Training too often people delay and procrastinate, yet as soon as they start on their journey, they realise they could have been addressing their issues much earlier.
“In the work of my colleagues and myself we often hear ‘I should have been here a year ago’ or ‘I wish I’d admitted I needed help sooner’,” he explained.
“This isn’t an issue for them when they start to receive help, and the help to modify their thoughts, feelings, behaviours and focus on solutions rather than problems, which comes through our willingness to engage.”
The main issues that are creating problems for people’s mental health and wellbeing comes from anxious thoughts-overthinking, stress-feeling under pressure or overwhelmed and low self-esteem which can lead to procrastination, frustration or even low mood.
“There are so many different situations that cause anxiety and stress when we meet our clients it can have a lot of different situational factors involved,” Sam said. “It could be because of relationships, breakdowns in communication, finances, addictions, worries, or as a result of issues in the workplace and there are the associated fears, guilt and even shame that also come along with anxiety.”
With anxiety comes stress and worry, whether that is because of a range of situations connected with their relationships, age, work, money or addictions, the list is quite frankly endless.
Healthy Mind Coaching and Training offer a range of services for individuals and workplaces, but often the free 20-minute one-to-one introduction consultation is when the issues affecting a person can be identified and assessed to see whether further sessions are required and that we are the right help for that individual or workplace.
“Whether it is someone who is a Director, senior manager or an individual who is facing a life-changing decision often we can help identify issues and suggest changes in thoughts, feelings or behaviours,” Sam said.
However, it is often delaying seeking help that can be a barrier for people – and organisations for their staff.
“Most people know that they have an issue with their mental health and wellbeing,” he explained. “
Too often they come up with excuses, such as they don’t have the time or resources. They have the time to get their car fixed or their boiler repaired when they are broken, and I would encourage them to change their mindset from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I have to’. By asking themselves ‘What if I don’t get help?’ then they would be more likely not to make excuses, procrastinate and get the help they need and we can provide.”
Healthy Mind Coaching and Training is a provider of Mental & emotional wellbeing, Positive Psychology-Mindset coaching & CBT, Professional training workshops and courses in personal, professional development & Workplace mental wellbeing.
“There are so many labels around mental wellbeing but we focus on enabling people to grow, flourish, excel and realise their potentials, empowering themselves and achieving outstanding results in their lives, through a positive change mindset,” said Sam. “But the key thing is to take the first step. No matter what your reasons are, or whatever has prompted you to get help, you can change your situation.”
Amongst the tools and CBT mindset coaching methods used by Healthy Mind Coaching and Training is asking the person what they are going through, or putting up with?
“We want to know what it’s like when you’re being anxious or stressed, what is it you’re thinking about, what are your feelings at that time, what is your normal kind of reaction and behaviour in a situation where you’re under strain, stress or pressure,” he said. Once we get down a lot of the information, we can now bring them through for our four, six week sessions, and at the end of those sessions through a review. We then can move on to ‘okay, so here’s what you need to do from now on moving forward’.
“When we have dealt with issues or closed all the doors to the problems as we went along, it is solution-focused based resilience behaviour we can then talk about.”
Sam is keen to emphasise that different people have different reasons for seeking professional help, and whether it is through self-realisation or a prompt from a family member or friend, the journey can begin with Healthy Mind Coaching.
“We offer and provide a free 20 minute one to one introduction session to discuss your issues and concerns, we then work out a way and a plan to overcome and address the difficulties and get the clients life back on track,” he said. “We have seen that this can be the first step – often a difficult step – towards that much needed change.”
The types and range of people who come along to get help is across a complete spectrum, from senior managers, solicitors, civil servants, directors, self-employed, computer engineers through to people coming to terms with their life changing circumstances, often what they need is a mindset change of how they are looking at things (perspective/perception shift), and learn how to overcome their challenging circumstances.
“People tend to focus on the problems. We tend to look at the solutions,” said Sam. “The trouble is, they can’t see a solution, and that’s where we come in.” Often it is just about helping people understand their perceptions or perspectives through our professional help.
“For example someone might say ‘I always make mistakes’ we ask them ‘so, tell me the last mistake you made?,’ he said. Their answer might be ‘well two weeks ago I went down to such and such and I dropped this and it was terrible’ and we might then ask what was the one before that, and they will say it was last year, we then would say “so it’s not always?”
“They then can understand that while the mistakes stick in their mind the rest of the time they are fine, and that everyone makes mistakes, just like them, from time to time and it is perfectly normal.”
As well as the 1-to-1 work at Healthy Mind Coaching and Training they also undertake support for companies and organisations to improve staff mental wellbeing, through group sessions and workshops, a review of workplace mental health strategies, and providing individual support plans when necessary.
“Mental health support should be standard in any workplace wellbeing strategies or health plans,” he said.
“However, it is important that organisations have the right environment in order that mental wellbeing issues are prevented, before it is needed. Making the right changes can make sure that employee and management stress and anxieties are reduced and managed with reasonable accommodations that match the business objectives, goals and the individual roles.”
Mental health and wellbeing are now being recognised at governmental level as a key issue going forward, which individuals can now address, through Healthy Mind Coaching and Training, including their own needs and move to the solution that suits and works best for them.
Danielle McCormick, Founder of The All-Ireland Sustainability Awards, alongside Peter McVerry, U105 Station Manager at the announcement of a three-year partnership with the company. The All-Ireland Sustainability Awards are open across 13 categories, including Food Waste Reduction, Agri-Food Initiative and Young Changemaker. To enter visit https://www.allirelandsustainability.com
County Antrim based environmental specialists Triterra, have joined forces with local Northern Ireland radio station U105 as media partner for the first ever All Ireland Sustainability Awards. With the global focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving meaningful sustainability within business and communities, the awards are set to celebrate the best in business and communities across Ireland.
This year’s awards, which are being held in partnership with Everun and offers 13 categories covering biodiversity, waste, young changemaker, food, green marketing and sustainable tourism have been announced and organisers are encouraging organisations of all types, large and small, new and established to enter and boast their sustainability credentials and excellence.
Award submissions are currently open with finalists and winners being celebrated at a spectacular gala evening in the Europa Hotel on 5 October 2023. In addition to the 13 categories, an Overall Winner of the Year 2023 will be announced. This prestigious title will go to one category winner who will be crowned most Sustainable Business of the Year 2023.
“Danielle McCormick, CEO of Triterra and founder of the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards commented: “Sustainability and the drive towards net-zero are now firmly on the agenda for all and is essential component in our businesses strategies if we are to safeguard our current and future businesses, lifestyles, communities and planet.
“The idea for the first Awards originated from the works we have undertaken with our All-Ireland Sustainability Professionals Network since 2020, which now has almost 450 members. We found that all of our partners and members wanted to get involved in helping to drive the sustainability agenda and create positive change, share best practice learnings and create collaboration opportunities.
“We are thrilled to secure U105 as a media partner and will work with them and our lead awards partner, Everun – energy management specialists, and our other sponsors on our collective sustainability ambition.”
Discussing the Awards partnership, Ross Moffett, Sales & Business Development Director at Everun, added: “We are delighted to partner in the inaugural All-Ireland Sustainability Awards this October as the ethos of these events has a natural fit with our own.
“At Everun we are focused on helping customers become more sustainable through reducing energy consumption, and we feel these awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise all the great work being achieved across the island of Ireland to drive and accelerate positive change across the sustainability agenda.
“We are looking forward to the judging and hearing more about the individuals and organisations making a difference across the categories.”
Peter McVerry, Station Manager with U105, said “Sustainability and excellence is important to our company, and with stations across Ireland all working towards this, we are delighted to partner with Danielle and her team for the next three years to support the awards and annual summit.
“We are excited to be bringing this expertise to our company focus too and gaining knowledge and insights which we can put into action to better support our sustainability goals and objectives as a local business here. Plus we can share best practice with our listeners, our clients and our suppliers.”
The All-Ireland Sustainability Awards, which are free to enter, are open until 15 August.
Finalists will be announced in early September. Individuals can nominate themselves, their organisation, or a colleague for an award. The Awards themselves will be created by upcoming Northern Irish artist, Ruthie Stewart, who will design a unique trophy for each category.
Organised by All-Ireland Sustainability in partnership with Everun, and media partner U105, sponsors include Visit Belfast, International Synergies NI, Danske, NIE Networks, Veri Connect, Carbonfit, Frylite and Ulster Bank.
Belfast energy management firm Everun is making a multi-million-pound investment to double its workforce with the aim of tripling its turnover by the end of 2024 as it diversifies into new markets.
The renewable energy specialists provide a range of services across solar and wind power, electric vehicle (EV) charging systems and smart motor systems.
The investment is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland and will create 32 high value, mostly engineering, jobs that will contribute £1.43m in annual salaries to the economy.
Commenting on the investment, Michael Thompson, Everun’s Managing Director, said: “We have developed a strategy for expansion and diversification that will see us growing our reach across the UK and Ireland. Our focus will be on consolidating our position as a leading provider of onshore wind turbine generator asset management services and building on our success to date in the EV charging arena. We’ve also identified significant opportunities for growth in the solar power, battery energy storage and smart motor markets.
“Invest NI has been extremely supportive, helping us to take on staff when we first entered the EV charging market and assisting with this latest expansion. Its support ensures we can move quickly to establish Everun as a complete renewable energy services solution for businesses across the UK and Ireland.”
Everun recently announced a new partnership with Scottish engineering firm MCE Scotland to introduce its innovative Turntide Smart Motor Systems to the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) market across Scotland. The system is 80% more energy-efficient than traditional motors. The partnership was announced in May at the Invest NI stand at the All-Energy Conference 2023 in Glasgow.
Grainne McVeigh, Invest NI’s Director of Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, said: “Everun is helping businesses across the UK and Ireland to achieve their sustainability goals and reduce their carbon footprint. Through its range of renewable power solutions, the company is not only offering protection from volatile energy markets but is also providing products and services that help businesses reduce costs and improve productivity.
“Invest NI has identified the green economy as a key driver that will be central to Northern Ireland’s future. Our support for innovative companies like Everun aligns with the Department for the Economy’s 10X economic vision to transition to a greener, more sustainable economy.”
Invest NI recently published its Key Performance Indicators statistics which show that in 2022 businesses it supports accounted for approximately 75 per cent of Northern Ireland exports, with sales in the Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering sector increasing by £1bn over 2021.
Enterprise NI and Prince’s Trust team up to deliver Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service to 1200 people
A new service aimed at engaging Northern Ireland’s most economically inactive people was launched by Enterprise NI and Prince’s Trust this week.
The new service Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service (NIEESS), is set to run until March 31, 2025. It will offer anyone across the country, considered economically inactive the ability to develop their entrepreneurial and employability skills.
This project has received £1.8m from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is set to target around,1200 individuals aged 16 and above.
The service, delivered by Local Enterprise Agencies and Prince’s Trust will improve enterprise, interpersonal, and employability skills of those taking part, helping them improve their marketability as a candidate and ultimately become self-employed or find a job.
The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency’s 2022 (NISRA) Labour Market Report found that people who are economically non-responsive made up around 28.3% of the 16-64 age group between April – June 2022, meaning that over a quarter of the eligible working population weren’t working at all or looking for work.
Michael McQuillan, Chief Executive of Enterprise Northern Ireland said: “We are very excited about the new service and how it puts the citizen at the centre of a range of supports, connecting them with the right support at the right time.
“In doing so, we feel our partnership with Prince’s Trust NI will ensure citizens throughout Northern Ireland experiencing the barriers of economic inactivity will have the opportunity to make personal and positive strides in their lives.”
By encouraging out-of-work individuals to develop themselves both personally and professionally, the aim of the service is to boost the economy by helping participants become economically active.
NIEESS is aimed at individuals who have been out of employment for a minimum of four weeks and those who are currently unable to start a new position due to everything from a lack of transferable skills to an inability to engage with the job market due to personal circumstances.
Mark Dougan, NI Director of the Prince’s Trust NI said: “In the Prince’s Trust, our ambition is to give more disadvantaged young people the opportunity to create a better future through Employment, Education and Enterprise.
“We have a long history of supporting young people to explore their business idea, with many progressing into self-employment with the support of our staff and expert business volunteers.
“The Prince’s Trust are excited to be working in partnership with Enterprise Northern Ireland to launch the Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service, which will give local entrepreneurs the opportunity to explore, test and refine their business idea and journey towards self-employment.”
The service delivery partners will identify mentors and trainers who will be on-hand for the service users to offer a participant centric approach meaning everyone who signs up will be given a tailored package of support which will provide holistic support targeted to their individual needs and areas where people require the most assistance.
It is estimated that the scheme will provide assistance to over 1200 service users helping them to transition towards employment or entrepreneurship.
For more information about the Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service (NIEESS) go to enterpriseni.com
There are only a few days left to apply for this year’s Boardroom Apprentice programme online via the official Boardroom Apprentice website.
All applications are to be submitted by 3pm on Monday June 19.
Now in its seventh year, the Boardroom Apprentice is a UK first 12-month unique board learning, development and placement programme which enables those who would like to serve on a public or third sector board to learn and gain experience through in-depth training and support.
Founded in 2017, the programme has helped 277 candidates from across Northern Ireland to begin their Boardroom journey.
Applications are open to those aged 16 or over from all backgrounds and abilities as the programme aims to enable a wider diversity of individuals to sit on boards and help move their board member role from aspiration to reality.
The programme brings together the three key elements of knowledge and understanding, experience and support. Over a twelve-month window Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector.
Throughout the 12 months, candidates are required to take part in regular learning days on topics such as finance, governance and complete a board placement on a board one of this year’s Host Boards, matched by both Eileen and a selection of former apprentices.
Boardroom Apprentice Jules Black, who was placed on a board with Young Enterprise NI in 2022, believes the experience was incredibly informative and beneficial.
She said: “The programme was brilliant. It allowed me the opportunity to have a ‘lived experience‘ of a board whilst incorporating the theory from the learning days, closing the theory-practice gap which brought a richness to the learning experience.”
Similarly, Craig Service identified Boardroom Apprentice as an invaluable opportunity, saying: “It was one of the most humbling and authentic experiences I have ever had.
“I would highly recommend the programme to anyone. If you are thinking of applying please apply, you will not regret it.”
This year’s programme will run from 01st September 2023 – until 31st August 2024.
Though already a part of Northern Ireland’s civil service, Belfast resident Robin Taylor felt he wanted the chance to give back to the community he lives in. The Boardroom Apprentice programme gave Robin the opportunity to do exactly that.
Hailing from Lisburn originally, Robin is an employee within the Department for the Economy, working within the Permanent Secretary’s office. Incentivised by a desire to “make a difference in the community”, Robin joined the Boardroom Apprenticeship scheme in August last year.
Founded in 2017 Boardroom Apprentice seeks to move the board member role from aspiration to reality. For people wanting to make a tangible difference to their local or national community, Boardroom Apprentice enables individuals to learn and develop the necessary skills in a safe and well-supported environment. With a passion for music, Robin knew going into the programme that he wanted to work on a board with a background in the arts.
“Music plays a major role in my life,” said Robin, who plays both percussion and the piano, and has prior experience as a member of a band.
It happened that Robin was placed with Arts Care, a charity based in Belfast. Founded in 1991, Art Care serves as the meeting point between art and healthcare. Through a variety of art projects, workshops and events, Arts Care aims to support the health and well-being of all its participants.
Boardroom Apprentice pushed Robin harder than expected.
“In all honesty, the programme was much more than I expected,” said Robin, adding: “More work, but I also got much more out of it.”
Though perhaps challenging at times, Robin’s time with Arts Care helped him to develop skills vital to a position on a board in the public sector. But there’s a versatility to the skills learned, too.
“It definitely added several strings to my bow,” said Robin.
“I’ve a much greater understanding of what Boards do, and can apply almost all of the learning to my day job as well.”
But the Boardroom Apprentice provided Robin with even more than a sharpened set of skills. During his time with Arts Care, Robin found himself a part of a close-knit team. The team went beyond merely collaborative. Not only did they all work well together, but there was a genuine level of care. Robin said he was surprised by quite how strongly the “team came together”.
“There were plenty of Zoom calls and WhatsApp messages where we all looked after each other,” said the 36 year old.
“I wasn’t expecting to find such a good, caring group when I walked through the door on the first day, or that we’d all need each other over the year.”
Robin’s experience as part of the Arts Care team left a great impression on him.
“I learnt as an individual, but contributed as part of a team,” said the Belfast local.
“You’ll get very close to your fellow team members, which was a great outcome.”
Growth in all aspects, as facilitated by the programme, provided Robin with an excellent learning experience.
“But it’s learning on a variety of subjects,” said Robin, elaborating on the wide breadth of experience that Boardroom Apprentice participants gain during their time on the programme.
Robin referred to “all the Learning Days” he participated in, as well as “the time spent attending Board meetings”.
Along with this, Robin also had the chance to attend workstream meetings and event openings, as well as strategic and board induction days.
“The biggest learning point has probably been developing how I read, analyse and make notes of documents,” Robin added.
“Specifically board papers, including financial statements.
“I learned more about Finance than I thought possible, as well as learning about governance, partnership working, as well as the sort of questions we could be asking.”
Beyond providing participants with the skills and experience needed to flourish on a public or third sector board, Boardroom Apprentice seeks to go one step further by diversifying the industry.
Robin said he felt that the Boardroom Apprentice programme “embraces diversity” and “challenges stereotyping”.
By ensuring diversity in its intake, work can be done to ensure that diversity increases across boards within the public sector.
“The more diversity in the programme will hopefully lead to more diversity on boards, as each cohort applies to board positions,” he explained.
As Robin’s time on the Arts Care board comes to an end, he reflected upon his experience there.
“Arts Care have been absolutely fantastic at every stage of the programme,” he said.
“They were incredibly welcoming and included me in everything they’ve done. They’re a fantastic organisation that are doing wonderful work in the community.
Armed with the experience he’s gained and skills he’s learnt, Robin now hopes to find a permanent position on a board. His advice to those contemplating applying for Boardroom Apprentice?
“Take advantage of the chance!
“It is such a wonderful opportunity,” he said. “I think it’s a great developmental opportunity for anyone that can apply.”
Applications for the Boardroom Apprentice 2023 programme open on Monday June 5 and close at 3pm on Monday June 19.
