THE Apprentice of the Year competition, launched by Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, is now in its 11th year and aims to recognise the talent, excellence and determination of local apprentices.
The minister said: “These awards are our opportunity to applaud apprentices who are advancing their careers through training, and it recognises employers who are investing in the skills of |their workforce by supporting |apprenticeships. The number and standard of excellent entries to the competition continues to grow each year and demonstrates how Apprenticeships can open doors to a better future.”
The 2012 award categories are: Apprentice of the Year; Most Promising First Year Award; Recognition Award; Innovation in Partnership Award (for Employers and Training Suppliers).
Nominations are open now in the four categories.
These awards are designed to recognise people involved in apprenticeship training in Northern Ireland including employers and training suppliers as well as the apprentices themselves.
The minister added: “Investing time and effort in developing the right skills benefits the economy and helps to meet the needs of local industry and employers.
“I would encourage all apprentices, employers and training partners to gain the recognition you deserve by entering the competition.”
This year’s judges are Joan Gormley (chairperson), Laurence Downey, Angela Whiteside and Professor Jackie McCoy.
Joan Gormley is head of operations at Northern Ireland Ofqual — the independent regulator with responsibility for the regulation of vocational qualifications (VQs) in Northern Ireland, including the VQs that underpin apprenticeships. The aim of the regulator is to ensure that learners get the results their work deserves, that standards in qualifications are maintained and that the qualifications learners receive count now and in the future.
For more details and to download nomination forms visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/apprentice-awards-2012 or telephone Creative Events on 028 9023 5001. The closing date is noon on March 1. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony May 17.