Sir Reg Hails Training Award Winners

Five winners of National Training Awards who successfully represented Northern Ireland at the UK final in London have been praised.

Sir Reg Empey (pictured) hosted a reception in Parliament Buildings to mark the success of these finalists and he highlighted the significance of winning a much coveted National Training Award.

The NI Minister for Employment and Learning said: "Winning a National Training Award is a tremendous achievement. It is the only Award which provides government endorsement and validation of your training programmes as well as raising morale among employees and employers.

"It is recognition that you have shown an outstanding commitment to training and development and, in reaching the UK finals, you have shown that you are among the very best."

The Stormont event recognised the achievements of Patrick McCann, Moy Park, Oakwood Integrated Primary School, Belfast Metropolitan College and the partnership entry made up of Deirdre Fitzpatrick and Associates with Mallusk Enterprise Park and the college of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise.

Speaking at the event Deirdre Fitzpatrick, from Deirdre Fitzpatrick & Associates, (also pictured here) said: "Winning a National Training Award was beneficial for our business in a number of ways.

"It has helped us win more contracts, has given us excellent PR in a tough economic climate and it has boosted the morale of the whole team involved in the programme.

"As our work was rigorously assessed and judged to be the best in Northern Ireland, the award provides a 'quality mark' which shows our clients and potential clients that our programme is of the highest quality.

"The recognition of our success that the award has brought has been very satisfying and rewarding," she said.

The National Training Awards Northern Ireland ceremony took place late last year with 22 Northern Ireland winners receiving recognition.

Five of these winners also received National winner status and went on to the UK National ceremony in London on 11 December.

(BMcC/JM)