Daniel Hughes (16) from East Belfast is set to fuel the future having been successful in applying for a gas engineering apprenticeship with Phoenix Energy Services.

Daniel joined the apprenticeship scheme with the company in recent weeks to start learning about the gas industry and work towards securing a full-time gas engineer role.  The apprenticeship runs for three years providing an extensive training programme covering asset management, system servicing and inspections.

Duncan Whelan, Operations Manager at Phoenix Energy Services, said: “Phoenix Energy Services first started an apprentice scheme in 2002 and we’re delighted that three quarters of the team that we have now have come through the programme.  We have made a significant investment in the apprenticeship scheme because we see real value in growing future talent for the natural gas industry.

“Creating opportunities for local people has always been important to us at Phoenix Energy Services and our apprenticeship scheme exists to encourage young people to consider a career in the natural gas industry, which now employs over 3,000 people. For us this programme is about sharing our skills to help develop the gas service engineers of the future and providing them with a bright future at Northern Ireland’s leading gas company.

“We’re delighted to welcome Daniel to the team, despite being one of the youngest applicants in the programme he has been very enthusiastic and keen to learn about the trade which helped him stand out and it was an easy choice to add him to our apprentice team.”

Commenting on his appointment, Daniel said: “I did really well in my GCSEs this year achieving 9 Grades A-C, but I knew that further formal education just wasn’t for me.  Over the summer I did some work experience with a plumber and I enjoyed every aspect of it, from meeting different people through to solving problems with and working to maintain heating systems.  When I saw the apprenticeship programme with Phoenix Energy Services, I knew it was the perfect fit for me as I would be earning while learning from the best engineers in the business as well as achieving formal qualifications.

“The apprenticeship scheme is a great way to get into the industry, learn a trade and get qualifications while still working.  I am grateful for this opportunity and am keen to learn as much as I can to be the best engineer I can possibly be.”

For more information on the benefits of natural gas visit www.phoenixnaturalgas.com or for more information on the Phoenix Energy Services Apprenticeship scheme visit www.phoenixenergyservices.com.