Menu
23/05/2011
Top NI Apprentice Announced
A young Downpatrick apprentice has been crowned Northern Ireland's Apprentice of the Year for 2011.
Luke Hawthorne, 21, received his award at ceremony in Belfast. He started his Wood Machining apprenticeship in 2007 at South Eastern Regional College's Downpatrick campus.
Since gaining his NVQ Level 2, Luke, who is employed with H J O'Boyle Ltd, has continued to demonstrate his excellence, including participation at the Northern Ireland Skillbuild competition.
In 2009 he was awarded the silver medal in the competition and in 2010 went one better, achieving the gold medal in the Carpentry section.
Luke has also recently been selected for 'Squad UK', with a chance to represent the UK in the world's largest international skills competition, WorldSkills. The event will be hosted in London later this year.
Apprenticeships play a key role in providing trainees with the skill sets with which to gain employment in what is an increasingly competitive job market. There are over 11,500 apprentices currently in training in Northern Ireland.
The Apprentice of the Year competition is open to those currently on the Department for Employment and Learning’s Apprenticeships programmes and showcases excellence in apprenticeship training.
(GK/BMcC)
Luke Hawthorne, 21, received his award at ceremony in Belfast. He started his Wood Machining apprenticeship in 2007 at South Eastern Regional College's Downpatrick campus.
Since gaining his NVQ Level 2, Luke, who is employed with H J O'Boyle Ltd, has continued to demonstrate his excellence, including participation at the Northern Ireland Skillbuild competition.
In 2009 he was awarded the silver medal in the competition and in 2010 went one better, achieving the gold medal in the Carpentry section.
Luke has also recently been selected for 'Squad UK', with a chance to represent the UK in the world's largest international skills competition, WorldSkills. The event will be hosted in London later this year.
Apprenticeships play a key role in providing trainees with the skill sets with which to gain employment in what is an increasingly competitive job market. There are over 11,500 apprentices currently in training in Northern Ireland.
The Apprentice of the Year competition is open to those currently on the Department for Employment and Learning’s Apprenticeships programmes and showcases excellence in apprenticeship training.
(GK/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 September 2023
2024 Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards Now Open
The Department for the Economy (DftE) has called for submissions to the 2024 Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards.
2024 Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards Now Open
The Department for the Economy (DftE) has called for submissions to the 2024 Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards.
18 November 2005
Smith sets 10,000 apprenticeship target for NI
The Government has revealed a 10,000 apprenticeship target in Northern Ireland by 2010 in order to meet future economic competition.
Smith sets 10,000 apprenticeship target for NI
The Government has revealed a 10,000 apprenticeship target in Northern Ireland by 2010 in order to meet future economic competition.
04 January 2024
Apprentices And Employers Urged To 'Release Their Potential'
Would-be apprentices and employers are being encouraged to "release their potential" during Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2024.
Apprentices And Employers Urged To 'Release Their Potential'
Would-be apprentices and employers are being encouraged to "release their potential" during Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2024.
24 January 2024
SRC Announces Return Of Annual Big Apprenticeship Event
Southern Regional College has announced the return of their annual Big Apprenticeship Event this February during Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2024.
SRC Announces Return Of Annual Big Apprenticeship Event
Southern Regional College has announced the return of their annual Big Apprenticeship Event this February during Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2024.
05 April 2022
Moy Park Announce 100 New Apprenticeship Opportunities
Moy Park has announced the creation of 100 new apprenticeship opportunities. With opportunities available from Level 2 to Level 6, the apprenticeships are designed to nurture the next generation of talent across a range of disciplines including engineering, operations, food safety and quality.
Moy Park Announce 100 New Apprenticeship Opportunities
Moy Park has announced the creation of 100 new apprenticeship opportunities. With opportunities available from Level 2 to Level 6, the apprenticeships are designed to nurture the next generation of talent across a range of disciplines including engineering, operations, food safety and quality.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
