Adrian's Electrical Achievements Light Up Stormont On VQ Day

Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, today announced the Northern Ireland Learner of the Year at Vocational Qualification (VQ) Day 2012

At an awards ceremony in Parliament Buildings, Minister Farry announced Adrian Canning, an electrician with RMG Electrics in Limavady, as the Northern Ireland VQ Learner of the Year 2012.

VQ Day is a UK-wide celebration of the achievement of the millions of people, who gain a vocational qualification every year, and recognises and celebrates the value of vocational qualifications.

In his keynote speech, the Minister praised all of the VQ Learner of the Year finalists: "Skills form the backbone of any economy and all the finalists should be justifiably proud of their achievements and look forward to successful careers in their chosen field."

Adrian, who achieved his qualifications at North West Regional College, completed City & Guilds qualifications at levels 2 and 3 in electro-technology. He has won gold medals in Skillbuild NI electrical competitions and won the Skillelectric UK final in 2011, and is currently vying for a place in Squad UK at Worldskills 2013.

Dr Farry also stressed the importance of vocational qualifications to the local economy: "Vocational qualifications have a pivotal role to play in ensuring that Northern Ireland has a better skilled, modern and dynamic workforce to drive our economy forward.

"The finalists are an embodiment of the flexibility of vocational learning in the workplace. They demonstrate the power of learning to change and improve lives, and the value of qualifications to employers, to ensure that their employees have the right skills for the job.

"All employers who hear about VQ Day should recognise the value of vocational education and training to support business success and growth. A well-qualified workforce will reap dividends in the future if you invest in training today. Today we celebrate the ways in which vocational education and training, in all its diversity, delivers benefits for learners, employers and Northern Ireland as a whole."

(CD)