The donation was presented at the College’s Newtownabbey campus, where the equipment is now housed in the college’s electrical training suite. The transformer provides students with the opportunity to work directly with real life equipment, helping them build practical skills and a deeper understanding of the high-voltage systems used across the energy network.
Aaron Neill and Iain McCart are pictured with the 2023 PME Apprentice Cohort, who repurposed the transformer – originally a 1974, 415kVA 11kV unit – into a working mobile demo piece, complete with a mechanical off load tap changer. This effort not only demonstrates their technical skill but will serve as a long-lasting learning aid for future apprentices.
Aaron Neill, Training Engineer from NIE Networks states;
“The 2023 PME Apprentice cohort put their skills to the test and proudly created a fantastic mobile demo piece for the Northern Regional College Newtownabbey…Fantastic work and well done to the 2023 PME Apprentices on this achievement.”
This initiative is part of an ongoing partnership between NIE Networks and Northern Regional College, aimed at enriching technical training through direct industry engagement and practical experience. John Burns, Technical Training manager at NIE Networks said;
“We are proud to partnership with NRC on collaborative projects such as this which will enhance the learning, knowledge and skills for all NIE Networks apprentices and staff and also to support the broader electrical engineering training courses being delivered for the energy sector”.
Iain McCart, Lecturer in Electrical Installation at Northern Regional College, expresses his thanks to NIE Networks saying;
“We are extremely grateful to NIE Networks for their generous donation of an LV-HV transformer. This invaluable contribution will enhance the hands-on training experience for our apprentices across both the Power & Distribution Apprenticeship and the Electrical Installation Apprenticeship. By working with real-world equipment, our learners gain the practical skills and confidence needed to thrive in the energy sector.”
This collaboration reflects NIE Networks commitment to investing in the future of the energy sector by supporting the development of skilled, work ready apprentices through practical, industry-informed training.