3CEA gains Engineers Ireland CPD Accredited Employer status

Press Release

The 3 Counties Energy Agency is celebrating after gaining Engineers Ireland accreditation for its commitment to the continuous professional development (CPD) of its 23-strong staff which includes Engineers, Technicians, Marketing and Administrative employees.

The 20 year-old Agency is now an Engineers Ireland continuous professional development (CPD) Accredited Employer and part of an exclusive network of organisations that have demonstrated commitment to the professional development of their staff. The much-coveted best practice framework accreditation will help the agency to recruit and retain talented staff and win projects.

The not-for-profit 3cea has worked tirelessly across the southeast since its inception in 2002 to move the region to a low carbon, clean energy future. It has grown its team over that time from just three to 23 employees.

3cea works with communities, local authorities, businesses and the general public across counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford and further afield in the renewable energy sector. The highly-regarded and highly skilled team at 3cea is constantly researching and upskilling, expanding its knowledge in energy saving, energy storage and production.

Paddy Phelan, 3cea CEO, paid tribute to the entire team, particularly those who worked on achieving Engineers Ireland’s CPD Accredited Employer Standard and said: “Continued professional development is essential for 3cea. We work in an a rapidly changing industry with new technologies, new standards, new requirements coming to market all the time. We work hard to ensure our entire team is prepared for all of these challenges. Providing a good CPD offering provides exciting opportunities for our team to develop and grow.

 

From left, are: Paddy Phelan (CEO 3cea), Colm 0’Mahony (Energy Engineer), Caroline Spillane (Director General – Engineers Ireland), Michael Deen (Communications Officer), Ralf Kampe (Eu Project Officer), John Carley (Chairman 3cea) and Bill Lowe (Office Manager) Photo Vicky Comerford

“We are committed to career development and to helping meet acute skills shortages within our sector world-wide. With this in mind, we offer work placement and graduate opportunities to third level students in this region. Many of these undergraduates have gone on to join our team over the years,” Mr Phelan said.

Congratulating 3cea on achieving Engineers Ireland’s CPD Accredited Employer Standard, Caroline Spillane, Director General of Engineers Ireland, said: “I would like to congratulate 3cea for their dedication to professional development and achieving CPD Accredited Employer status. It is clear that 3cea has a strong commitment to supporting the professional growth of its staff and the organisation has successfully created a culture of innovation where creative thinking is encouraged and supported.

“Investment in professional development is essential for organisations to grow and develop their people. This investment ensures career progression and success for employees’ while also ensuring continued growth and market success.  Having experienced rapid growth in the South-East, I believe 3cea will continue to benefit significantly from the strategic approach facilitated by the CPD Accredited Employer Standard,” Ms Spillane added.

Gráinne Kennedy, Energy Engineer with 3cea, led the accreditation bid and commented: “Over a quarter of our team are Engineers Ireland affiliated and more are to join throughout the year. Others are working toward Chartered Engineer status. 3cea has a very strong policy that supports employees who want to extend their knowledge and join professional organisations. Such an ethos drives continuous professional development and augurs well for the future of 3cea and the energy transition across the South-East region into the future.”

Explore a career with us

If you think you are the right person to help reshape the energy landscape future, send your CV and a cover letter to Bill at blowe@3cea.ie explaining more about yourself and your ambitions, visit www.3cea.ie/careers

About Engineers Ireland’s CPD Accredited Employer Standard

The Engineers Ireland CPD Accredited Employer standard is a strategic framework which enables engineers and engineering employers to raise competency levels and deliver tangible business benefits by investing in engineers through continuing professional development. For more information, visit: http://www.engineersireland.ie/cpd-training/cpd-accredited-employer-scheme.aspx

jobsinkilkenny_waterford

We’re Hiring! Job vacancies in Kilkenny and Waterford

Join our growing team and help promote behaviour change to accelerate energy transition by bringing your unique energy to the team.
Current vacancies:
  • Sustainable Energy Engineer – full time position
  • Junior Energy Engineer – full time position
  • Office Administrator – part time position

Deadline for applications is Friday April 29th 2022

To apply, visit our careers page here –  download, fill and complete the 3CEA application form available and email the application form to Bill Lowe at blowe@3cea.ie

Kilkenny and Waterford Cities are the home of culture, innovation and heritage, it’s a charming place to work that attracts top talent and offers high quality of life. 3 Counties Energy Agency is committed to delivering sustainable energy solutions for everyone in the region. Join our vibrant team and help promote behaviour change to accelerate ‘energy transition’ for the South East by bringing your unique energy to the team.
3CEA is an equal opportunities employer.

Meet the Team: Onyedikachi Onwusor

 

  1. What is your educational and work background?
    I recently got an MSc in Energy Management from Technological University Dublin, and a BEng in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering from FUTO, Nigeria. Prior to joining 3CEA I have been in Agricultural Fabrication, and Construction Industry.
  2. What’s the most exciting thing about joining 3cea?
    3CEA is a swift thriving not for profit organization that is actively making an impact to Irelands energy commitment most especially in the southeast of the country. Being someone who wants to contribute to the sustainability of our environment, it is great working for an organization surrounded by like minds.
  3. Why is sustainable energy so important to you?
    Technological advancement has brought about so many possibilities, but also brought excess carbon emission with it. The world always has a problem needed to be solved for every generation. Sustainability in the energy sector has never been more important and I am eager to partake in providing solutions for it.
  4. What advice would you give to readers who are considering an energy efficiency project in your sector?
    No amount of energy savings is too small, a little effort from everyone makes the environment more sustainable. 3CEA is ever ready to support you and your organization to implement efficient energy shifts with their team of specialized engineers and support staff.

Meet the Team: Michael Deen

 

  1. What is your educational and work background?
    I have a BSc in Geography and Environmental Science and have recently completed an MSc in Leadership for Sustainable Development at Queens University Belfast. I have previously worked within commercial sustainability and worked with several not-for-profit environmental and sustainability organisations.
  2. What’s the most exciting thing about joining 3cea?
    I’m excited to be part of an organization like 3cea that delivers real positive change to society. The opportunity to work on projects in a variety of sectors from commercial businesses to community groups with sustainability at the core of it all is really exciting.
  3. Why is sustainable energy so important to you?
    We are living within a climate crisis, and sustainable energy will play a crucial role in reducing the negative local and global impacts a changing climate will bring.
  4. What advice would you give to readers who are considering an energy efficiency project in your sector?
    This is your opportunity to take the leap into sustainable energy, whether you are driven by climate action or reducing your energy costs, there has never been a better time to start an energy efficiency project.

Meet the Team: Tracey Turner

 

  1. What is your educational and work background?
    I worked as a logistics administrator for a wholesale company after leaving school. A FAS course in Supply Chain Management and Logistics led me to a primary degree in Industrial Engineering (Level 7). A module in Energy Engineering sparked my interest in renewable technologies, so much so, that I attended an evening course while completing my degree, in Energy Technologies and Installations (Heat-Pumps). I was very fortunate to secure my industrial placement with an innovative company who were at the time designing, manufacturing, transporting, and installing wind turbines. C&F Green Energy gave me a solid foundation in engineering, industry, and renewable technology. My interest grew in the areas of green energy, sustainability, and the environment prompting my return to education. I went on to achieve an Honours Degree Level 8 B.Eng. in Industrial Engineering and a Masters Diploma Level 9 in Green Engineering. I also took some time to travel which was a valuable education in itself. Since, I have worked with a wind and solar developer, evaluating renewable projects, and liaising with clients and stakeholders. I also worked for a short time as a quality engineer in the electro/mechanical industry, this gave me an understanding of construction in particular BCAR (Building Control Amendment Regulation) documentation for projects requiring certification. Most recently I have worked as an Energy Engineer/Consultant,  developing Energy Master Plans for Sustainable Energy Communities, conducting energy audits, quantifying energy consumption to establish baselines as well as being appointed by the SEAI as a county mentor to consult with and advise sustainable energy communities in the midland region.
  1. What’s the most exciting thing about joining 3cea?
    I have followed 3CEA for some time, often signing up to their webinars and workshops. I admire 3CEAs professionalism,  dedication and expertise. I am very much looking forward to learning from my peers and being part of an organised and focused team. Also, they seem like a lovely bunch, relaxed, down to earth and friendly.
  1. Why is sustainable energy so important to you?
    I have always been passionate about nature, the environment, and the people and communities around me. I come from a spectacularly beautiful part of the world. Relatively untouched by pollution, industrialisation, mining, poverty, overpopulation etc. I didn’t quite grasp the magnitude of how much we were interfering with nature and our environments until I travelled, until I witnessed environmental devastation and extreme weather events for myself. We don’t feel the effects as much here in Ireland; however, it will affect us all, sooner than we think. I want to leave a world that my daughter can not only survive in but thrive in. Humans over the last 200yrs have consumed more than ever before, stripping the earth of its resources without much consideration or gratitude. Globally, the use of energy represents by far the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. What better place to put all my energy into if not energy itself?
  1. What advice would you give to readers who are considering an energy efficiency project in your sector?
    The time for consideration is past. It is better to be proactive than reactive. Reach out, information, people and resources are available. Get in contact with 3CEA or your local energy agency. They will be happy to help and guide you.

Meet the Team: Stephen McCormick

 

  1. What is your educational and work background?
    I have a BA in Arts from TCD, an MA in International Relations from DCU and a BEng in Mechanical Engineering and Renewable Energies from AIT. I’ve spent a decade in retail and a decade in Facility Management and am now branching into energy management.
  2. What’s the most exciting thing about joining 3cea?
    I’m eager to join a team of like-minded individuals who are keen on supporting Irelands energy commitments. 3cea has a great record of working with energy users of all stripes for 2 decades and I’m honored in becoming part of the team and look forward to driving further sustainability across Irelands South East.
  3. Why is sustainable energy so important to you?
    The world is in a pretty precarious position and faces threats on a number of fronts. Immediate climate action has never been so important and, with three young girls looking up to their father, I am particularly keen on showing them that my generation has been part of the solution and not the problem.
  4. What advice would you give to readers who are considering an energy efficiency project in your sector?
    Just do it – there’s never been such a critical time to make a positive change in how you live and work. We at 3cea have a dedicated team of experienced engineers and support staff to help you make a positive impact on your carbon emissions as well as your bank balance. Be the change you want to see.

 

Sustainable Energy Engineering – An insight into John Frister’s Work Experience at 3cea during Coronavirus

John Frister, a Sustainable Energy Engineering Student from WIT, recently completed his work placement with 3 Counties Energy Agency. We were very fortunate to be in a position to deliver John’s work experience virtually as many employers had to cancel or postpone work placements for students due to the global pandemic. We’ve asked John to share his experiences and challenges throughout his work placement journey. Read more

We’re Hiring!

We are currently seeking an EU Project Officer to assist with the delivery of our European focused projects. 

We consider ourselves fortunate to be in this current position, as we are currently seeking an EU Project Officer to join our team.

The new role will focus on the delivery of our European projects. The successful candidate will have a collaborative approach, will be well organised, and have an ability to take initiative.

To apply for this role, please do so through our careers page which can be accessed here.