An apprentice welder who was given a place on the programme after his older brother, who had already been accepted, sadly passed away has said he would be "proud" to know he's now qualified.
Jay Gurney embarked on the welding apprenticeship following the sudden death of his older brother, Lee, who sadly passed away in 2020 from a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
The brothers had applied for the apprenticeship at the North West Regional College's Springtown campus in Derry. Lee was accepted, and Jay was on the waiting list. Following Lee's passing, his place was offered to Jay.
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"Lee became very ill and passed away suddenly – he was only 17," Jay explained. "It was incredibly difficult for me because Lee wasn’t just my brother; he was my best friend. After his death, I was offered Lee’s place on the welding course, as I was next on the waiting list. While it was a very hard decision, it also felt right, and I know Lee would be proud of me now that I’ve qualified.
Jay now works for CT Engineering in Maydown, outside Derry city, as a fully qualified fabricator and wlder.
He is back at North West Regional College (NWRC) for the 2025 Apprenticeship Showcase, as his younger brother Kian has now also applied for a welding apprenticeship.
"Becoming an apprentice has been a great move for me," Jay said. "I faced many challenges, starting my course during COVID-19. With ADHD and dyslexia, I needed learning support, but I engaged with everyone who offered to help me. When I first started, I was very quiet, but I think I’m much more confident now. I always struggled in school, being in the classroom, so the opportunity to work with an employer and gain practical experience was brilliant. I improved month by month."
Jay’s employer, Stephen McDaid, of CT Engineering commented: "From the very first day Jay Gurney joined our company, he was a hard worker. He’s always had a natural talent, so learning came easily to him. He’s one of the most talented apprentices we’ve had, and his knowledge became so strong that he became our 'go-to' person for maintenance and breakdowns. Jay was a good listener, took direction well, and was always eager to work."
NWRC Welding lecturer Justin Sterritt added: "There are few apprentices like Jay Gurney. Despite his young age, he had a fantastic attitude towards learning. He was one of those individuals who simply wanted to learn and get on with things. I don’t think I’ve ever met another young person who looked as comfortable with a welding torch as Jay. His work should serve as an inspiration to other young people, showing what can be achieved through hard work, a positive attitude, and discipline. We’re incredibly proud of him."
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English (United States) ·