Posted: March 15, 2022
Meet Josh, the newest member of our instructor team. Josh is part of the SEFtec NMCI Offshore (SNO) two year Instructor Training Programme. Beginning his career at the NMCI as a technician and trainee instructor Josh recently completed the two year programme to become an instructor at the NMCI. We chatted with Josh to hear more about his background, interests and future plans.
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Hi Josh, so tell us a little about yourself?
Hello, my name is Josh and I am an instructor with SEFtec NMCI Offshore DAC.
Growing up I worked in outdoor activity centres during my Summer holidays. I loved the multi-activity courses which included water sports such as sailing, kayaking, and coasteering to name a few. I was really lucky to have such an enjoyable job at a young age – and it gave me great confidence in leadership and instruction. During my time in college, I was a safety officer and later captain of CIT’s kayaking club. I learned loads about management as well as general risk assessments regarding water safety. After college, I spent some time working for a fire safety company that specialises in the maritime industry. This gave me great exposure to various vessels, their fire suppression systems, and firefighting equipment on board.
What attracted you to the role of trainee instructor/technician initially?
When introduced to the role of Trainee Instructor/Technician, I was immediately attracted to the similarities it had with my previous instructor role. Each day is different with new learners across various training set-ups. I was especially excited to work in the environmental pool and it’s still my favourite ‘classroom’ in the NMCI. Working all 4 seasons as a water-based instructor can be almost unheard of in Ireland, so this was an exciting concept.
Tell us about your role and what it entails?
When I first joined the team, I was trained into the role of Technician. It was my job to prepare any equipment needed for the courses. This included prepping boats for the pool, equipment for the fire yard, and general organisation of all PPE across all the courses. I found this period in the company beneficial in gaining a better understanding of how the equipment operates. This role also included assisting in the background of courses – lighting fires, capsizing rafts, and launching lifeboats.
1 year later I became a Trainee Instructor. I trained a new colleague into the Technician role, allowing me to spend more time in the classroom learning the courses. I participated in every course we offer as a learner, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I then became a PADI Open Water Diver and later received a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification. I could now participate in the pool as a safety swimmer/diver – a position I was looking forward to since the day I started! Towards the end of my 24-month program, I completed my OPITO Assessors, Train the Trainer, and HUET Instructor course. This is the part of the job that blows my friend’s minds!! I love working in the ‘HUET’ and I’m continuing to learn more with each course I am part of.
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What is your favourite part about working with SEFtec Group?
My favourite part about working with SEFtec Group is the dynamic and varied working environment. No one day is the same. I work alongside seasoned mariners and firefighters regularly. I have the opportunity to train with emergency services like the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter crews each month. I have just returned from training in the UK for an exciting project in the future. I continue to expand my knowledge with every course I am a part of, every person I meet, and every location I visit. Working with SEFtec Group has opened my eyes to an amazing industry with inspiring people working within it. I look forward to more projects in the future, especially overseas.
How will you continue to develop your skills in 2022?
When I first joined the company, I was told “every day is a school day here”.
This is absolutely true. Each day my skills and knowledge improve. Every course brings its challenges and rewards and I learn so much from each one. To enhance my skills further, I plan on focusing on the Global Wind Organisation side of training more this year. I also look forward to improving my HUET skills with more time inside the unit. It’s also an exciting time for OPITO as they move towards the sustainable energy section. I look forward to being part of this transition in the future. As part of my continuous development, I will be doing Enclosed Spaces, Working at Heights, and Manual Handling instructorships in 2022 also.
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Thanks Josh, we’re looking forward to seeing all that you achieve in your career!
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Posted: March 14, 2022
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Relax and Renew!
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day we picked a course at random, and are offering one lucky delegate the chance to win their overnight accommodation with dinner at the 4 star Carrigaline Court Hotel.
We have selected the Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET) with Compressed Air Emergency Breathing Systems (CA-EBS), scheduled for May 12th 2022.
Stay at the Carrigaline Court Hotel on May 11th, and arrive at the NMCI ready and energised for your course on May 12th.
Anyone who books on the course for May 12th to renew their BOSIET or FOET, will be automatically entered into the competition and contacted on May 5th.
Good luck!
See full terms and conditions below:
Terms & Conditions
1.The promoters are SEFtec NMCI Offshore Training DAC.
2. The prize is a one night stay for one adult in a double room with dinner at the Carrigaline Court Hotel, Carrigaline, Cork.
3. Prize is as offered and no cash alternative will apply.
4. The prize is not transferable.
5. Entry is for people of 18 years of age and over.
6. A valid entry consists of a confirmed booking for 12th May Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET) with Compressed Air Emergency Breathing Systems (CA-EBS) at the NMCI.
7. Delegates are automatically entered into the raffle upon booking the above course, scheduled for May 12th 2022. The changing of course dates, from any FOET/BOSIET, which was already booked prior to the start of this competition, to the FOET on 12th May 2022, does not constitute a valid entry into this competition.
8. The promoters’ decision is final and binding in all matters and no correspondence will be entered into.
9. The promoters reserve the right to change any aspect of the prize.
10. The prize must be used on May 11th 2022.
11. The prize will be subject to any additional terms and conditions of the suppliers of the prize.
12. Reservations may only be cancelled or amended if the prize winner amends their FOET booking, to an alternative date. This is subject to availability both at the NMCI and Carrigaline Court Hotel.
13. The promoters are excluded from liability for any loss, damage or injury which might occur to the winner arising from his or her acceptance of the prize.
14. The winner may be required to participate in unpaid promotional related publicity undertaken by the promoter.
15. The promoters reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions.
16. Competition ends at midnight May 4th.
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Posted: February 24, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) will host a hybrid conference/webinar on Friday 4 March 2022 entitled ‘Our Offshore Renewable Energy Opportunity – Is Ireland Ready?’. The conference, sponsored by Simply Blue Group, will bring together representatives from across Ireland’s maritime and supply chain workforce to explore their preparedness to the Offshore renewables’ opportunity.
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Capt Brian FitzGerald, Simply Blue Group, Dr Val Cummins, Simply Blue Group, Michael McGrath, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Cormac Gebruers, Head of College, NMCI and Mark O’Reilly, Fishery Liaisons Officer at the launch of the conference ‘Our Offshore Renewable Energy Opportunity – Is Ireland Ready?’.
The conference will seek specifically to put the spotlight on the qualifications and certifications for the fishing industry to ensure it is fit for the dual purpose of keeping fishermen fishing, while simultaneously ensuring that our coastal communities mariners and infrastructure are best placed to contribute to and benefit from this developing maritime industry.
Minister for Agriculture and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue will open the event, which will be Chaired by Feargal Keane from RTE Radio 1 programme ‘Seascapes’. Speakers include Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, Dr Alan Power, Assistant Principal, Labour Market and Skills Unit, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as well as Dr Val Cummins, Simply Blue Group, Damien Turner (IS&WFPO), Wind Europe, and a representative from BIM will participate.
Among the topics for discussion are the Policy Regime for Renewable Energy; the Expert Group on Future Workforce Skills Report on the Low Carbon Economy; A Developer Case Study – Floating Offshore Wind off Ireland’s Coasts; Co-existence of Offshore Renewable Energy with the Fishing Industry; and the Future opportunities for Ireland’s Fishing Industry.
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD said: “The Government is committed to Ireland achieving its ambitious 2030 targets of generating 5GW of offshore wind and 80% renewables as a critical element of our national strategy to address climate change. The enactment of the Maritime Area Planning Bill will be central to this strategy. Of equal importance will be ensuring we have the requisite skills in the maritime and supply chain workforce to realise the full potential of this exciting opportunity for our coastal communities. This conference, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders will be an excellent showcase for the potential of this rapidly evolving sector.”
Speaking about the event, Captain Brian Fitzgerald, Director of External Affairs and Stakeholder Liaison, Simply Blue Group said “As Ireland struggles to meet the challenges of climate change, and fishing communities struggle with an unknown future, offshore renewable energy developments will have a far greater chance of delivering a sustainable future for all, including the incentivization of our youth to get involved, if the solutions are co-created. Ireland needs its best team on the field.”
Cormac Gebruers, Head of College, NMCI, said “We look forward to hosting this significant discussion for the maritime community. We hope the event will awaken Ireland’s mariners to an exciting and co-existing future that sees a thriving and growing fishing industry working in harmony with Ireland meeting its climate action targets.”
Mark O’Reilly, MD Fishery Liaisons said “The stakeholders most affected by Ireland’s development of its ocean wealth are those in our fishing industry and associated coastal communities. It is well known that they face increasing challenges and fears for the future. In the areas suitable for offshore wind development, nobody knows the sea and the seabed better than the fishers that work there. The sensible approach is for the industry and developers to work together to harness the possibilities from offshore wind.”
To attend this conference in-person or online please contact events@simplybluegroup.com Full programme available here
ENDS
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Posted: February 1, 2022
New year, new start!
Join our busy SEFtec NMCI Offshore team as Business Account Manager.
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Job Description
Position: Business Account Manager
Salary: D.O.E.
Reporting to: Managing Director/Board of Directors
Region: Global
Location: SNO Offices, Ringaskiddy, Cork.
Description of Position
The Business Account Manager will report to the Managing Director and the Board of Directors. The role will carry responsibility for supporting the development of new business with new and existing customers.
The role will also carry responsibility for maintaining and commercially growing existing customer accounts by providing excellent customer support and service.
This role is ideal for someone with a background in the maritime / offshore / renewable sector.
Principal Tasks
- Maintain awareness and knowledge of the business market, competitors and internal activities to ensure that all business opportunities are identified, considered and closed appropriately via outbound telephone calls, emails and face-to-face visits.
- Creation and generation of leads from existing business and new business.
- Identify new potential business streams and resources needed to deliver on or off site.
- Drive sales meetings and the cross selling of a suite of services/consultancy along with opportunities for the wider business.
- Develop proposals and tenders as appropriate.
- Compiling monthly internal reports for the Managing Director and the Board of Directors.
- To perform all sales administration activity and interface with other internal departments (marketing, administration, finance, operations, etc.) as required, ensuring that customer opportunities are managed quickly and effectively.
- Networking with other business units and relevant stakeholders.
Requirements
- Relevant Maritime, and/or Oil and Gas experience, and/or Offshore Renewables experience.
- Proven ability to achieve results.
- Someone who is commercially focused and has a track record in growing accounts.
- An influential and highly effective communicator (verbal/nonverbal/written) with strong interpersonal skills.
- Must have an ability to effectively work as part of a multi-disciplined team in a business to business environment.
- Must be flexible and adaptable and be able to travel domestically and overseas as required by the position.
- Strong level of PC skills including Microsoft Office and Account Management Software.
Duration of the Contract
This is a permanent position subject to a 6 month probationary period.
The position can be terminated at managements discretion with one weeks notice of termination.
Salary and Commission Based Package:
Please submit your CV and Cover letter to careers@nmci.ie
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Posted: January 26, 2022
Position: Administrator –Part Time, Maternity Contract.
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Company: GAC Training & Service Solutions Limited (GTSS)
Description of the Position
Reporting to the Managing Director, the GTSS Administrator is a core member of the administration team, providing course coordination and business support.
Location: NMCI, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork
Company Background
GAC is a global provider of integrated shipping, logistics and marine services. Emphasising world-class performance, a long-term approach, innovation, ethics and a strong human touch, GAC delivers a flexible and value-adding portfolio to help customers achieve their strategic goals. Established since 1956, GAC employs over 8,000 people in more than 300 offices worldwide.
GAC Training & Service Solutions Limited (GTSS) was launched on 11 February 2010, aiming to provide cost saving and innovative training solutions for the LNG industry and other maritime sectors. This unique partnership between GAC and The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) focuses on delivering a complete portfolio of training courses for both seafarers and shore-based shipping and commodity operations personnel. GTSS combines GAC’s global reach, over sixty years of maritime expertise and powerful branding with the NMCI’s superb facilities and a dedicated faculty.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The administrator’s responsibilities include but are not limited to the following;
- Receive inbound calls and emails from current and new customers/companies.
- Responsible for the administration process from course registration through to certification using the company’s CMS.
- Responsible for classroom/facility bookings for scheduled and bespoke course bookings.
- Prepare Letters of Invitation as per client’s request, in order to support visa applications.
- Responsible for travel templates and organising client accommodation & transfers ahead of courses.
- Put together and deliver course packs where appropriate.
- Prepare scripts/handouts for courses.
- Ensuring all client’s receive Joining Instructions in a timely fashion, in advance of each course.
- Ensure all relevant communications, records and data are updated and recorded.
- Create trust and confidence when building a rapport with customers to effectively close each booking and retain customer loyalty, this includes reception duties for course registration.
- Meet & greet delegates at reception before each course.
- Represent commercial division by ensuring each customer receives a friendly and engaging and efficient experience;
- Work as part of a team supporting colleagues where necessary.
- Report any non-conformances to Management immediately in order to ensure that corrective action is carried out to prevent recurrence and insure continuous improvement.
- Adhere to strict data protection and confidentiality laws;
- Participate in any required training.
- Liaising with Lecturers, instructors to co-ordinate the efficient running of courses.
- Liaising with Finance regarding pricing of courses.
- Liaising with various individuals from companies on course details, numbers, requests etc.
- Liaising with catering staff & process canteen function forms.
- Any other duties that may be assigned.
Requirements
Essential:
- 3 years relevant administrative experience;
- Good planning, organisational and communication skills;
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills;
- Strong work ethic and self-starter, able to effectively manage multiple priorities and adapt to change within a fast-paced business environment;
- Must possess a professional and friendly attitude and be able to quickly develop a rapport with customers;
- Ability to learn and navigate new software quickly.
Salary: depending on experience.
Starting: March 2022 latest.
CV and Cover Letter to careers@nmci.ie
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