Heather Briers, a local trainee from the Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Apprenticeship Programme, has emerged as one of the best in the industry across the UK and Ireland, having recently been awarded a high-profile bursary in her field.
Heather, who is from Carrickfergus, alongside other trainee engineers Laura Fleming and Christopher O’Kane, received an Engineering Horizons Bursary from the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), a global network of professional engineers, for their commitment and dedication to their individual apprenticeships.
The IET aims to inspire, inform and influence the global engineering and technology community, and through this bursary aims to encourage young people to pursue engineering studies and STEM careers.
With a keen interest in the future of renewable energy sources, Heather applied to the NIE Networks Apprenticeship Programme as she recognised the opportunity to be at the front line of the energy industry.
As part of her first-year survey apprenticeship, Heather’s role as a STEM ambassador at NIE Networks saw her carry out various outreach programmes in schools to inspire students to consider STEM subjects and pursue a career in the industry.
NIE Networks Training Manager John Burns commented: “We are thrilled that our apprentices have received such recognition by being awarded with the prestigious Engineering Horizons Bursary.
“The NIE Networks Apprenticeship Programme provides an invaluable platform for our trainees to launch their careers and a great opportunity for apprentices to gain highly specialised skills to work on the electricity network.
“From our point of view, the apprenticeship programme is also key in attracting and retaining the very best of local talent. We firmly believe that the best way to develop skilled, motivated and enthusiastic future employees is through this targeted and focused approach.”