In this #PeopleFirst we interview Kevin Clohessy, Site Supervisor and former Apprentice. His journey with us started in 2021, and now, five years later, he is celebrating a promotion, his graduation, and winning the prestigious Generation Apprentice of the Year Award.
At 23 years old, Kevin’s last year at St Flannan’s College in Ennis was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He was awarded his predicted grades in his Leaving Cert and spent 12 months working with his father in the family refrigeration business before applying for apprenticeships.
It was during this time that he discovered his passion and future career in electrical engineering.
“I knew I wanted to do a trade – I had been helping my dad since I was 12. I always preferred the practical subjects in school; I wanted to be up and about, and getting on with things,” says Kevin, who lives in Ballyea, County Clare. “My time working with my dad gave me the chance to explore different trades, and I enjoyed the electrical side the most.”
Award-Winning Apprentice
Graduating from his electrical apprenticeship last October, Kevin had been nominated by his tutors at Technical University Shannon (TUS) for a Generation Apprentice Award.
With 330 nominations received across 78 apprenticeship programmes in Ireland, Kevin took home the gong in the electrical category at the graduation ceremony, alongside 12 apprentices in other categories.
Coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Office, the awards are now in their fourth year and showcase exceptional talent and skills from across Ireland. They spotlight the vital economic and social contribution of the 30,000 apprentices currently training in Ireland.
Patrick Ahern, Section Head – Electrical Trade, Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), nominated Kevin. He said: “The decision to nominate Kevin as the TUS candidate for this esteemed award was an easy one. His deep understanding of the industry, his enthusiasm for leading projects, and his forward-thinking approach to installations all reflect the high-quality training he received from both the skilled electricians and his peers within Kirby Group Engineering. From the very first day in the workshop, Kevin’s work was exemplary, and any feedback or suggestions I provided were consistently embraced and seamlessly integrated into his evolving style with each subsequent project.”
“Kevin’s final practical exam was completed to an exceptionally high standard, and it has since become a benchmark in our practical teaching. We now use Kevin’s project as an educational tool to set the standard for future apprentices, demonstrating the level of craftsmanship we aspire to. Kevin’s future is undoubtedly bright, and I am truly honoured to have played a small part in his journey,” continues Patrick.
Kirby Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship
Kevin completed his entire apprenticeship at Boston Scientific in Galway, Ireland. The project saw us complete a 40,000 sq ft cleanroom at the medical facility, and it now supports the manufacture of life-saving products. Mentored by Project Managers Leroy Walker and Damien Glynn, he particularly enjoyed terminating and testing data cables.
“There is something satisfying about working on a project like this. I gained experience in all parts of electrical engineering, working with the team on site. Terminating and testing data cables and installing containment were my favourite aspects of the work. When the containment is up and looks the part, you can take real pride in it,” Kevin explains.
As part of Kevin’s apprenticeship, he spent time both on site and in the classroom. He says, “Your classroom learning was backed up by real world experience on site. It was completely different to school. You had both the academic and practical experience, and that worked well for me as a learner.”
Kirby apprenticeships are made up of seven phases. Phases 1,3,5, and 7 are on-site training, while phases 2,4, and 6 are classroom-based.
“I’d recommend people look into apprenticeships, they give you the best of both worlds, especially if you are a hands-on, visual learner like me. You get the chance to earn and learn,” he explains.
Apprenticeships are core part of Kirby’s culture. Four of our board members came through the apprenticeship process, and we invest heavily in the development of talent through the programme.
A dedicated training facility at our Portlaoise off-site manufacturing base opened in 2024 and helps apprentices keep pace with new methods and technologies.
Day in the Life of a Site Supervisor
In December last year Kevin was promoted to Site Supervisor and now looks after a small team on a pharmaceutical project in Galway.
“I look after the small works package on site, so am responsible for setting the team off in the morning, looking after the materials and package of works,” he explains.
Outside of work, Kevin has a keen interest in cars, often attending car rallies and shows. He’s also a hurler and plays for Ballyea Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) club.
As he throws himself into the next step of his career, he is keen to support apprenticeships as a career choice.
Apply now for our Apprenticeship programme – https://careers.kirbygroup.com/apprentices/
