Stefan’s success after his Plunket College ‘Pre Apprenticeship’ course

Stefan Giurgila enrolled on the Pre-Apprenticeship Motor Vehicle Maintenance (MVM) course at Plunket College of Further Education in August 2020 and quickly settled into college life.

Stefan enjoyed all aspects of the course, but his favourite subjects were ‘Motor Vehicle Practice’, ‘Maths’ and ‘Safety & Health’. The majority of the Motor Vehicle Practice subject was carried out in the purpose built workshop and Stefan felt right at home there.

As part of the course Stefan had to secure and complete the mandatory ten day work experience placement. He completed his placement with the well-known Jack Newman Auto Services in Ashbourne, Co Meath.

The Newman family have a motor trade heritage in Ashbourne since 1929, and now celebrate our fourth generation in the business. Established in September, 2018, our state of the art workshop is conveniently located on the main street in Ashbourne, on the premises of John Newman Motors.

Back to Stefan and after completing the ten days work experience placement with Newman Auto Services, he was sure he had made the right career choice.

Stefan said the practical training and knowledge he gained on the Pre Apprenticeship course was an enormous benefit to him when assisting the qualified mechanics with the servicing and repair work while on the work placement.

Stefan has just graduated from the Pre Apprenticeship Motor Vehicle Maintenance course at Plunket College of Further Education with a full QQI Level 5 award. Before the course finished Jack Newman contacted Stafan through the College and offered him a four-year apprenticeship to train as a light vehicle technician.

Today Stefan is registered with SOLAS as a light vehicle technician and is presently completing phase one of his apprenticeship

Stefan said that the qualifications he gained at Plunket College of Further Education gave him the confidence, knowledge and skills to take up the apprenticeship.

Jack Newman commented that the Plunket College of Further Education work experience programme offers great benefits to both Pre Apprenticeship students and garages who are recruiting and who may be in a position to offer an apprenticeship to students.

Jack grew up around cars. His interest started at an early age in the garage owned by his grandfather, Sean Newman, in Ashbourne. Jack started his apprenticeship at 17 and still discovered new things about the industry every day.

An avid motorsport fan, he partakes competitively in rallying throughout Ireland. With his career and hobby combining so well, Jack is able to keep and maintain his beloved Mk2 Ford Escort rally car to the highest sporting standards.