Newry Firm Launches Student Training Programme

A Newry based marine fit-out group has launched an initiative to facilitate student recruitment and engagement.

MJM Group, comprising of global marine outfitter MJM Marine, land and marine interior outfitting specialist Mivan, and specialist glazing company Topglass have collaborated to launch The Navigate Programme.

Opportunities will be made available for a range of age groups, including key stage four work with schools, work experience and placements, two student employment initiatives, apprentices and graduates.

A specific pathway has been developed for each level of student involved and the company will continue to engage with them as they navigate their early career.

Naoimh McAteer, Director of MJM Group said recruitment will take place over the next six months for the first intake in 2020.

"Our three core businesses deliver high end interior fitout and exterior services to the marine, high end residential and commercial sectors. We also have a property team and other subsidiary businesses. We have opportunities for skilled workers, contract managers, QSs, estimators, designers, accountants and so many more career choices.

"Each of our businesses is growing and constantly requiring new talent. 'The Navigate Programme' allows us to engage with young people when they are making career decisions, it allows students to see what we do and make an informed decision about a potential career with us."

Elizabeth O Connor, HR Director at MJM Marine said: "We already have well established programmes for apprentices, graduates and work placements in the business. 'The Navigate Programme' allows us to bring these all together under the one umbrella for students, teachers, lecturers and parents and to provide them with a more formalised programme aimed at their career progression.

"The aim is to help young people see the opportunities that exist for exciting careers in a global, outward looking group of companies, right on their doorstep. We had students on work placements this summer who have been out to cruise ships in The Bahamas. It's very few other companies that can offer this type of real on the job experience, even in a short placement."

Karen Anderson, HR Manager of Mivan added: "Apprentices and graduates really are the future for our businesses. We are already making plans for our 2020 intake and 'The Navigate Programme' will help ensure we attract the very best candidates. Mivan, like our sister companies, rely on delivering the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship for our businesses. For this it is essential that we invest in our people and in our team both now and in the future."