Congratulating the winners, Minister for Employment and Learning Dr Stehen Farry said: “The array of talent on display today is testament to the high level of skills and talent that exists in Northern Ireland. I congratulate Gareth, the Apprentice of the Year, and all the other apprentices here today on their achievements and wish them continued success in their chosen careers. Gareth is an excellent example of how an apprentice can form an integral part of a company.
“Apprenticeships are an efficient and effective means for matching supply and demand in an economy: this is why delivering a world class system through my Department’s current review of apprenticeships is essential. I am proposing that, for the first time in Northern Ireland, a central service will be introduced to promote and support apprenticeship provision, including assisting both employers and potential apprentices to make informed decisions about their participation including improved careers advice.
“As part of my review, I am also proposing that Apprenticeships will extend from Levels 3 through to Level 8 (PhD equivalent). This expansion into higher level apprenticeships will offer opportunities to expand the system into new occupational areas, including the professions and also into the public sector.”
Barry Ferris, Ryobi Aluminium Castings, said: “Gareth is rated highly amongst management and staff and is meticulous about his work. He has shown great ability, and his first project led to significant savings for the company. Since this he has become involved in higher level products, coming up with innovative ideas and solutions. His strengths reside in his ability to identify faults and if necessary redesign products, reducing downtime whilst maintaining a close eye on quality. Without doubt Gareth’s work is way beyond the remit of an apprentice and is certainly on par with experienced engineers. His future with Ryobi is very promising and his contribution greatly appreciated.”
All apprentices throughout Northern Ireland follow a training framework developed with the relevant industry sector which includes attainment of a Vocational Qualification, a technical certificate and if necessary specified essential skills.
The Apprentice of the Year competition is open to those currently on the Department for Employment and Learning’s ApprenticeshipsNI programme and showcases excellence in apprenticeship training.
The other award up for grabs on the day, the Innovation in Partnership Award, was won by Terex Powerscreen, Dungannon, and South West College, Dungannon.
To find out more about the Department for Employment and Learning Apprentice of the Year and ApprenticeshipsNI programme visit http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/apprentice-of-the-year-awards.htm. ApprenticeshipsNI is part funded by the European Social Fund.
Ryobi Engineer scoops Apprentice of the Year Award
Wednesday
14th May 2014
Gareth Harkness, an apprentice Engineer from Ballymena, has been crowned Apprentice of the Year 2014. Gareth, 19, is completing his apprenticeship in Engineering at Northern Regional College, Ballymena. He is employed by Ryobi Aluminium Castings in Carrickfergus, who produce car engine castings that are distributed worldwide. The awards ceremony, organised by the Department for Employment and Learning, was held in Hillsborough Castle and was hosted by presenter Claire McCollum.
