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MIVAN APPRENTICES ACHIEVE FIRST AND SECOND AT SKILLBUILD NI REGIONAL QUALIFER

Jamie Matthews, Apprentice Joiner, won the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier for Joinery and Conor Dallas, Apprentice Joiner, finished a close second. Conor was also awarded the Haldane Fisher Cup for being the Best Young Apprentice of the Year. ,For the first time ever, Mivan had four qualifiers into the SkillBuild NI Regional Qualifier Joinery category, each place achieved by winning the inter-campus competition at each college. Jamie Matthews, Matthew Conly, and Conor Dallas qualified from the NRC college intercampus competition and Tom Gallagher from the Belfast Metropolitan competition.  ,Jamie is a first-year apprentice and Conor is in his second-year apprenticeship but studying NVQ Level 3 at Northern Regional College (NRC) and both working for luxury fit out contractor, Mivan. Both young men are excellent examples of what can be achieved with an award-winning Mentor, dedication, and hard work. Their success at the regional qualifier will hopefully lead to a place at the UK SkillBuild Final. ,SkillBuild, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the largest multi-trade competition for construction trainees and apprentices. As the biggest and longest running construction skills competition, they are looking for skill and talent that is built to last.,A series of competitions sees the very best compete against each other to be crowned a winner in their chosen trade. As each level of competition progresses, competitors will be tested on their technical abilities, time management, character, and commitment. Helping to develop confidence, self-esteem, and life skills.,The Regional Qualifiers run, from February to June each year. These one-day events bring together apprentices and trainees, with the overall eight highest-scoring competitors in each specialist skill going through to the next round – the SkillBuild National Final. ,Jamie and Conor will find out in July if their scores are good enough to earn a place at the SkillBuild Final, due to take place on 21st – 23rd November in the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes. ,Commenting on first place, Jamie said “When I started with Mivan in August 2022, I had never done any joinery. Working in a dedicated Apprentice Workshop, reading, and interpreting drawings to make basic joints and simple joinery really built my confidence. I am a quick learner, but I need to thank my mentor Charlie as he always has the answer and is fantastic help to me.” ,Conor, who finished runner up but still won Best Young Apprentice of the Year, added “I am really pleased Mivan apprentices placed first and second. Obviously, I would prefer to finish first, but delighted Jamie won. I really hope we have both done well enough to qualify for the final. As I competed in the final last year, I think I am more prepared this time if I make it. It was a big surprise to win the overall Apprentice Award but I am delighted and feel happy that my work over the last year has been recognised.”,John Cunningham, CEO of Mivan, said, “I am really proud Mivan had four young apprentices competing at the NI Regional Qualifier, the most Mivan has ever had. A great reflection of the work of the Apprentice Workshop and the Apprentice Mentor. Congratulations to Jamie and Conor for placing first and second, I look forward to supporting their further development. A further congratulations to Conor for winning the Overall Apprentice of the Year, a great achievement.",Mivan has over 45 years’ experience creating luxury interior experiences for our clients. Working collaboratively with architects, designers, contractors, and suppliers to deliver excellence in everything that we do. The company successfully operates in a broad range of sectors including luxury hotels, prime residential, museums, stadiums, arenas, commercial offices, modular solutions and marine. 

MIVAN ATTENDING CRUISE SHIP INTERIORS DESIGN EXPO, MIAMI.

Mivan, the leading marine out fitting specialist, will be presenting its full range of solutions and latest innovations at Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) Design Expo on 6th – 7th June 2023. We hope to reach out to new potential clients and cement relationships with existing clients at Miami Beach Convention Centre.,Mivan’s team of specialists, including John Cunningham, CEO, will be available throughout the exhibition to assist the cruise interiors industry, including interior designers, architects, shipyards, and suppliers. Sharing stand 625 with our sister company MJM Marine you are sure to get the experts view when you visit. Register for a free ticket by clicking here.,James Gilmore, Head of Marine, will be able to share previous experience working with clients such as Holland America Line and The World: Residences at Sea – the largest private residential yacht on Earth. Stop by the stand to hear how Mivan has over thirty years’ experience delivering the highest standard of bespoke joinery on every project, on every ocean in the world. ,Shorlagh McConville, Business Development Manager, can tell you all about many recent projects wins including the Ruby Princess crown -class cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises. Another valued client that trusts Mivan to deliver, scheduled to complete later this year. Ensure you spend some time at stand 625 to explore the company, chat to clients and meet some client teams. ,Mivan has extensive experience in developing bespoke joinery solutions for cruise ships, including technically challenging areas. With an impressive portfolio of marine projects across the world, Mivan has successfully outfitted countless public areas including bars, restaurants, lounges, theatres, games areas, receptions, and lidos. Also, private areas such as cabins, penthouse suites and private apartments. Each project is designed collaboratively with client design team to meet all expectations of the client.,In addition to marine out fitting, Mivan operates in broad range of sectors providing fit out to luxury hotels, prime residential, museums, stadiums, arenas, commercial offices, and modular solutions.  ,If you want to meet one of our experts to discuss your needs, then please email hq@mivan.com to schedule an appointment. ,We look forward to welcoming you to Miami.

MENTOR AWARD AT NORTHERN IRELAND APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS 2023

Huge congratulations to Charley McAuley for his well-deserved win of Mentor Award at the NI Apprenticeship Awards 2023. ,The awards, organised by the Department for Economy NI, started back in 2001 and over the years they have had a track record of showcasing and celebrating the depth and quality of the talent within our local apprentices, employers, and training providers across a wide range of sectors. ,As this is the first year of the new Mentor Award it makes it even more special that Charley is the very first winner. Mivan is extremely proud to have an esteemed mentor teaching the next generation of joiners. Charley added, “I am delighted to have won, I thank Mivan for the opportunity to do this role and also the NRC for the nomination.”,John Cunningham, CEO, stated, “The work Charley puts into the Apprentice Programme is vital to our future and we can all see the benefits of the programme. His dedication, knowledge, enthusiasm, and desire to help improve young people have been truly recognised.”,Speaking at the ceremony hosted by speaker and broadcaster David Meade in the Belfast Harbour Commissioner’s office, Mike Brennan, Permanent Secretary at the Department for the Economy, said: “The Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards are an opportunity to appreciate those who have made a significant investment in vocational education. The awards ceremony allows us to celebrate the commitment and the immense capability of our apprentices, their employers and the training providers who support them.”,Referring to the introduction of the inaugural Mentor Award and Special Award for Diversity and Inclusion, Mike Brennan said:,“I am particularly pleased to see the introduction of these two new awards. Our apprentices gain so much from the experience and knowledge of those they work with, and it is only right that we recognise these mentoring skills and the time and energy given to development., ,