BLACKWATER HOUSE AWARDS CEREMONY

Blackwater House recently held its annual awards ceremony, where apprentices achieving NVQ level two and three awards were presented with their certificates. The apprentices detailed below also received special recognition for their outstanding achievement during the academic year…

Blackwater House Panel Technician of the Year sponsored by Carparts 1st Stephen Christie 2nd Chris Mitchell 3rd Glen Johnston ........................................................................................ De Vilbiss Topgun Competition 1st Norman Reid 2nd Paul Harper ........................................................................................ Blackwater House Crash Repair Apprentice of the Year sponsored by 3M Gregg Ferguson ........................................................................................ Blackwater House Mechanical Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Carparts Auto Electrical – Robert Fullerton Heavy Vehicle – Nicholas Cullen Light Vehicle – Scott Campbell ........................................................................................ Blackwater House Vehicle Parts Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Component Distributors Lowry Stewart

OLYMPIC GOLD VICTORY FOR ANDREW!

Former Blackwater House apprentice Andrew Blair from Doagh, Co Antrim, has achieved the highest accolade in the world, having been awarded the UK’s only gold medal at the 2005 WorldSkills Olympics in Finland. Andrew was announced as best in the world in his profession of vehicle body repair, having fought off intense competition from the Korean finalist who finished second and the Japanese technician placed third. Andrew, who was sole UK representative in his field, competed throughout four consecutive days in Helsinki to clinch the gold medal. Compounding Andrew’s success, he was also awarded the title ‘best in nation’, as the only UK competitor to receive a gold medal. Andrew was ranked an incredible 7th place in the world, out of more than 700 competitors from almost 40 different countries.

MINISTER CONGRATULATES ANDREW

Employment & Learning Minister Angela Smith congratulates former Blackwater House apprentice Andrew Blair on his recent success. Andrew displays his UK gold medal for auto body repair, won at the 2005 WorldSkills Competition in Helsinki. Andrew also won the Best in Nation medal, being the only UK team member to achieve 'Olympic' gold.  Also pictured is Colin Hagan, training executive at Blackwater House, who trained Andrew in the 12 months leading to the WorldSkills Olympics.

BLACKWATER HOUSE APPRENTICE BEST IN UK!

Blackwater House apprentice Jonathan Lloyd from Glengormley, County Antrim, has recently been announced UK Young Painter of the Year. Through portfolio inspection, written tests and extensive practical assessments, 19 year old Jonathan was chosen as best in his field throughout the UK. The presentation was made in London in front of a thousand guests at the annual UK Craft Awards. Throughout the competition Jonathan has had the full support of his employer Agnew Repair Centre, Belfast.

This most recent success brings the total to five Blackwater House UK apprentice titles in the last five years.

Johnny Bradley from Blackwater House pictured with Jonathan Lloyd

APPRENTICES TUNE IN TO 280 BHP!

The latest project to arrive at Blackwater House has been round more than a few corners - sideways! It's a Lancia Delta Integrale Group A rally car, thought to be one of only three Integrale rally cars in Ireland.
These four wheel drive turbocharged rally cars ruled world rallying from 1988 to 1992, winning most of the rallies and every world championship in that four year period.

The Integrale, now owned by CarSport Magazine editor Pat Burns, was state of the art back in the late eighties and its 2.0 litre 16 valve engine can be tuned to produce about 280bhp.

The car is currently being resprayed by a team of apprentices led by Colin Hagan and will return to its original white, using PPG paint.

ATTENTION SCHOOL LEAVERS!

If you are aged between 16 - 24 and are interested in any of the modern apprenticeships listed below, visit the apprentice section on our website.

. Vehicle Body Repair NVQ Level 3
. Vehicle Refinish NVQ Level 3
. Vehicle Stripping & Fitting NVQ Level 2
. Vehicle Parts Operations NVQ Level 3
. Light Vehicle NVQ Level 3
. Heavy Vehicle NVQ Level 3
. Auto Electrical NVQ Level 3


Calling all employers…
If you are interested in employing an apprentice who will work towards their NVQ under a Blackwater House modern apprentice training scheme, contact us now! By taking an apprentice onboard, you are re-investing in the core skills of your company and generating skilled technicians for the future.