Winners announced at 2021 Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards

Economy Minister Diane Dodds announced the winners of the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2021 at a virtual ceremony today (Wednesday 28 April).

Economy Minister Diane Dodds with local presenter Sarah Travers at the NI Apprenticeship Awards 2021

This year’s ceremony, compered by local presenter Sarah Travers, was the highlight of a week of special events held during Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2021 which recognised the excellence in apprenticeships across the region.

The 2021 winners are:

The SME Employer Award

TBC Conversions in partnership with South West College.

The Apprentice Award

Chantelle McDonagh who works at An Tearmann (STEP) with training provided by Coalisland Training Services.

The Large Employer Award

Kainos Group plc in partnership with Ulster University.

The Higher Level Apprentice Award

James Matchett who works at Kainos Group plc and undertook training by Ulster University.

Speaking at the event the Minister said:

“I want to commend all those who were shortlisted for this year’s awards and congratulate the winners. With around 9,000 participants across our apprenticeship and higher level apprenticeship programmes, to be nominated for these awards is testament to your hard work and dedication.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the great work being done by training providers and employers, without whose enthusiasm and commitment and dedication we would not be able to run these programmes. The calibre of entries this year has been extremely high and reflects the continued success of apprenticeships during what has been a hugely challenging year for businesses and learners.”

The Minister concluded:

"There has never been a better time to consider an apprenticeship as a career option. Now more than ever, apprenticeships provide employers with the skilled workforce they need to be competitive and grow their business. Apprenticeships will also be a key component of the economic recovery as we seek to build the local skills base. That is why I am continuing to invest in making apprenticeships easier for employers to offer, and for people to access."

Notes to editors: 

1. Captions:

Photograph 1: TBC Conversions in partnership with South West College were the winners in the SME Employer category. Pictured at the virtual awards ceremony are David Donnell, TBC Conversions with Alastair Booth, South West College.

Photograph 2: The winner of the Apprenticeship Award 2021 was Chantelle McDonagh who works at An Tearmann (STEP) with training provided by Coalisland Training Services

Photograph 3: Kainos Group plc in partnership with Ulster University, winners in the Large Employer category. Pictured are Lee Collins, Kainos Group plc along with Ulster University's Mark Donnelly.

Photograph 4: James Matchett who works at Kainos Group plc and undertook training by Ulster University was judged the winner in the Higher Level Apprentice category. 

2. More information on the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2021 application criteria is available on the Apprenticeship Awards 2021 page..

3. Information on apprenticeships and events happening during Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week can be found on nidirect website.

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5. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office at pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk

6. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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