Mike Brennan, Permanent Secretary at the Department for the Economy, said:
“The Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards are an opportunity to appreciate those who have made a significant investment in vocational education. The awards ceremony allows us to celebrate the commitment and the immense capability of our apprentices, their employers and the training providers who support them.”
Sean McAleese, Work-Based Learning Manager at Northern Regional College, outlined the importance of the College’s relationship with its stakeholders.
"We understand the importance of apprenticeships as a vital pathway to both personal and economic success,” he said.
“Our strong partnerships with stakeholders and businesses enable us to deliver apprenticeships that meet the needs of the industry, while providing our students with valuable on-the-job training and experience.
“Northern Regional College is committed to equipping our learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers and to supporting the growth and prosperity of the communities we serve, so it is fantastic to see so many of our partners celebrate success as part of the NI Apprenticeship Awards."
The winners were:
The Large Employer Award – NIE Networks in partnership with Northern Regional College;
The Mentor Award – Apprentice mentor Charley McAuley, who won for his work with apprentices at Mivan;
The Special Award for Diversity and Inclusion – NIE Networks, who received the award based on the influential partnerships between the organisation and its training providers that support the continuous growth of skills development in Northern Ireland.
Mr McAleese added:
"Our apprenticeship programmes are designed to complement the Department’s 10X strategy and ensure our graduates are workplace ready. By working closely with our stakeholders, we aim to create a dynamic and responsive