From war to Waterford: Ukrainian man nominated for national apprenticeship award

A Ukrainian man who fled the war in 2022 is building a new life in Waterford, and he has now been nominated for a national Apprentice of the Year award.

Stanislav Tertychnyi (31) has completed the first year of a two-year Accounting Technician Apprenticeship while working with the Dungarvan-based Insolvency Resolution Service (IRS).

The funded programme, offered by Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI), allows apprentices to "earn and learn" while gaining practical experience in the financial sector. Apprentices earn at least €26,325 a year while attending lectures one day a week at a local college.

READ MORE | Is Ireland's best book shop in Waterford? An Post awards on the hunt for top spot

It provides an alternative for school-leavers who prefer practical training to a full-time college programme - or those who started a college course and found it did not suit them. It is also an option for existing employees and mature learners who want to pursue accounting.

The apprenticeship enables employers to recruit and upskill staff in a cost-effective manner as training fees are covered by state agency, SOLAS. Employers can avail of a grant of €2,000 per year for each apprentice they employ.

Stanislav, who previously worked in hospitality, project management, and as a regional manager with Red Bull in Ukraine, said he feels privileged to be able to give back to Ireland.

"I find great satisfaction in contributing to a country that has so generously provided me with support and new opportunities," he said.

READ MORE | 'Success is never an accident': Civic honour for Waterford's All-Ireland winning hurlers

Since joining the IRS, Stanislav said he has been inspired by the professional calibre of his colleagues and the wider opportunities the apprenticeship offers.

"Working at the IRS fuelled a desire to go further with my education and career and make a more substantial contribution," he explained. "When I decided to pursue qualifications in the accountancy sector, my boss, Mitchell O'Brien – Ireland's first licensed personal insolvency practitioner – advised me to consider the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship programme."

Under the scheme, he works four days a week and studies one day a week at Waterford College of Further Education. Despite English not being his first language, he says the experience has been "overwhelmingly positive".

READ MORE | Old bank in Waterford set for new lease of life as 'holiday style accommodation'

"The more my knowledge grows, the more effortless and impactful my contributions are," he said. "I would highly recommend it. There is invaluable hands-on experience from day one, with the help of highly qualified lecturers and colleagues."

The Accounting Technician Apprenticeship has created almost 1,200 jobs since 2016 and will provide 200 more this year. In addition to school-leavers, it is open to existing employees and mature learners, with state support for employers who take part.