McIlroY Wins Battle For Ferrari Top Spot

SLOUGH, UNITED KINGDOM – Sept 12, 2012: Newtownabbey’s Jack McIlroy has beaten off more than 100 school-leavers from Northern Ireland to win a place on one of the world’s most sought-after training opportunities – a three-year apprenticeship with Ferrari at Charles Hurst, Belfast, the only official Ferrari dealer in Ireland.

Jack, 18, a former pupil of St. Patrick’s College, Antrim Road, Belfast, will now join 12 other successful applicants from across the UK to start their intensive training at Ferrari North Europe’s Head Office near London. The Ferrari Apprenticeship will lead to a nationally-recognised qualification accredited by IMI Awards, the leading awarding body for the retail motor industry.

Jack, who will now be employed with Charles Hurst Belfast on a full-time basis, will undertake 24 weeks of block training as part of the three-year programme.

“I’ve always wanted to work in the car industry and I applied for this scheme thinking that never in a million years would they pick me – but they did!” said Jack. “This is a life-changing opportunity for me. Not only will I be training with Ferrari in London, I’ve also secured a future with Charles Hurst Belfast which I know is committed to developing my career.”

Charles Hurst Franchise Director Richard Stinson said the apprenticeship was designed to train people in a way that enables them to keep pace with advancing technology and the high levels of customer service that is expected with such a quality brand.

“We’re proud to offer such a prestigious opportunity, which is part of our philosophy of investing in promising young talent and we look forward to welcoming Jack to the Charles Hurst Ferrari team,” Richard said. “Attracting bright young talent into the automotive sector is key to our long term success.”

Northern Ireland Transport Training Service (TTS), which is part-funded by the Department of Employment & Learning (DEL) is administering the programme in partnership with Ferrari North Europe and Charles Hurst Group.

Minister for Employment & Learning Stephen Farry said: “Ferrari is one of the world's most prestigious and exciting vehicle manufacturers who are committed to developing young people and I’m delighted that Jack has secured what I know will be a fantastic start to his working life.

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to develop specialist skills, giving you the chance to earn while you learn and gain qualifications that are recognised across the world. My department is proud to be involved in such an innovative, rewarding and exciting scheme and we wish Jack every success for the future.”

Michael Kerr, Business Development Director at Northern Ireland Transport Training Service (TTS), which was founded to promote and provide training for individuals and companies involved in the motor, road haulage and passenger transport industries, said: “A role as a vehicle technician or parts apprentice – employed as one of Ferrari’s approved dealers or authorised repairers – is a fantastic start to anyone’s working life and we look forward to seeing Jack develop his newly-acquired skills with a practical approach to working.

“Apprenticeships are the proven way for businesses to train their workforce and can make an organisation more effective, productive and competitive by addressing skills gaps directly, even in uncertain economic times.”

On completing the course, apprentices will gain an NVQ Level 3, an IMI Technical Certificate, an Advanced Apprenticeship Completion Certificate and Key and Core Skills Certificates relevant to his chosen specialist area.