12/05/2003

Nominations sought for Modern Apprentice Of The Year

The countdown is on to find the 2003 Jobskills Modern Apprentice (MA) of the Year with nominations now being sought from all sectors currently employing young people under the MA programme, including the construction industry.

Run by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) in association with the Northern Ireland Training Councils Association (NITCA), this is the third year of the prestigious awards, which recognise the commitment and calibre of the 6,200 young people currently training under DEL's Jobskills Modern Apprenticeship (MA) Programme.

Paul Collins, a Carpentry and Joinery Apprentice with Kirkubbin-based McGimpsey & Kane, was one of seven finalists in the 2002 competition, and industry hopes are high that a construction nominee will take the title this year.

Announcing the 2003 Awards, which will take place on 23 June at Belfast's

Waterfront Hall, Jane Kennedy, Minister for DEL, said: "This is an extremely valuable initiative as it offers a relevant and meaningful incentive to those young people who are committed to developing themselves under the MA Programme. Moreover, Modern Apprentices aren't just trainees but are actual employees who contribute significantly to the local economy and the Awards play an important role in recognising this young workforce by highlighting the skills and competencies that it brings to the labour market."

Training Organisations and Sector Training Councils are asked to propose their most promising Modern Apprentices by 23 May. Short-listed finalists will be interviewed in their workplace by a select judging panel comprising NITCA, industry and Training Organisation representatives.

Speaking at the launch, Bill Brown, Chairman of NITCA, added his support. He said: "Both the impressive calibre and volume of entrants since the awards scheme was introduced only three years ago are a wholly positive reflection of the work being done across our industries by Modern Apprentices, and the encouragement and guidance provided to them by their employers and training providers.

"As the intake of Modern Apprentices has increased by almost 15% in the last year and momentum around the Awards has grown, we are confident that this year's entry levels will be even higher, guaranteeing an exciting and competitive event."

The overall winner will receive the NITCA perpetual trophy, a commemorative plaque and a multi-media PC supplied by Fujitsu Services.

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