Celebrating WS Mercer’s Support for ETT’s Apprentice Electricians!

We were delighted to welcome our first-year apprentices back last week and to recognise the ongoing support of Walter S Mercer Ballymena. Through their contribution of essential tools, equipment, and materials, apprentices are able to begin their training with access to high-quality, industry-standard resources from day one. This early investment supports effective hands-on learning, improves skills development, and helps apprentices build confidence in a high-quality training environment.

For apprentices, receiving a comprehensive toolkit at the start of training removes a significant financial barrier and ensures consistency in practical learning. Access to the right tools early in their careers contributes directly to increased engagement and improved practical outcomes.

For ETT, partnerships like this, strengthen programme delivery by enhancing the quality of training provision without increasing costs to learners. As a small charity, ETT relies on industry collaboration to maintain high standards and accessibility. Support from industry partners like Walter S Mercer Ballymena enables ETT to provide opportunities, improve retention, and ensure training remains aligned with current industry expectations across Northern Ireland.

Last week, representatives from Walter S Mercer Ballymena presented ETT’s first-year electrical apprentices with complimentary toolkits to support their progression into the trade.

Ian Thomson, ETT Lecturer, said: “Ensuring that every apprentice receives a free toolkit in their first year is central to our goal of helping them feel valued and an important part of the profession. We are pleased to be working in partnership with WS Mercer, Ballymena, and are grateful for their support of our apprentices throughout their Level 3 apprenticeship.

Patrick Doyle, Manager at Walter S Mercer Ballymena, added:
“WS Mercer, Ballymena is proud to support the next generation of electricians in partnership with ETT. By providing apprentices with high-quality tools, they are able to gain hands-on practical skills from the very start of their training. Supporting this initiative represents an investment not only in individual career development but also in the long-term strength of the industry.”

Walter S Mercer Ballymena contribution is not just about tools, it’s about motivating the next generation of electricians and helping them reach their full potential.