Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2022 Launched

The 2022 Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards, which recognise excellence in apprenticeships, has been announced by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons.

Part of Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2022, the Awards show will be held on Wednesday 9 February 2022.

Launching the Awards, the Minister said: "I am delighted to launch the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2022. These awards have a track record of showcasing and celebrating the depth and quality of the talent of our local apprentices, their employers and training providers across a wide range of sectors.

"Developing the local skills base is a key priority for me and a cornerstone of the recovery. My Department's 10X Economic Vision and associated Skills Strategy set out how we want to equip people with the skills they need for the constantly evolving jobs market and build on Northern Ireland's successes on the global stage. Apprenticeships are integral to this vision.

"I encourage apprentices, employers and training providers who are working in the wide range of apprenticeships available across Northern Ireland to share with us their apprenticeship experiences by entering the NI Apprenticeship Awards competition. We look forward to celebrating the skills and talent of apprentices and the benefits they bring to employers and businesses."

Dr Bryan Keating CBE, Chair of the Strategic Advisory Forum on Apprenticships and who participated in the awards judging panel last year, commented: "I continue to be amazed at the quality and standard of apprentices nominated for the NI Apprenticeship Awards. We have a lot of incredibly talented apprentices in Northern Ireland who are supported by superb employers and training providers and it is important that we recognise their achievements."

Applications are now open for the four award categories:

• Apprentice of the Year (Levels 2-3)

• Higher Level Apprentice of the Year (Level 4+)

• Large Employer Award (employers with more than 250 employees)

• Small and Medium Enterprises Award (employers with fewer than 250 employees)

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 29 October 2021.

Full details on application criteria for each of the awards and how to apply are available at Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2022.