12/06/2001

BRIGHT SPARKS CELEBRATED AT ANTRIM AWARD CEREMONY

MINISTER for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Dr Sean Farren stressed on Monday evening the importance of qualifications to social and economic development.

Dr Farren was speaking at the annual City and Guilds NI Medals for Excellence Awards Ceremony in the Dunadry Hotel, County Antrim, where he presented awards to six Northern Ireland students.

He said: “You, and your fellow students, who accompanied you on your learning path are part of the reason why Northern Ireland can look forward to a brighter future.

“My Department is committed to supporting lifelong learning. You have the confidence to know and recognise your true potential, and more importantly its use within our society. I am confident that this is just the beginning for you in your journey of lifelong learning.”

The City & Guilds is a major Awarding Body offering over 500 qualifications spanning almost all occupational sectors from Construction, Manufacturing and Engineering to IT, Customer Services and Administration. There are only 170 medals awarded from 650,000 students nationwide, which is approximately one medal per 4,000 students.

The Northern Ireland medal winners were Mervyn Bleakney, Richard Craig, Eugene Glenn, Enda McGee, Seamus McGill and Kam Wai Lee. (AMcE)

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