Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has teamed up with a range of partners to deliver a series of events as part of Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2021, led by the Department of Economy.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Councillor Peter Johnston said:
“Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week highlights the benefits of apprenticeships for individuals interested in developing their skills / employability and to employers keen to grow and strengthen their teams.
“As part of the weeklong initiative, Council teamed up with CITB NI and Unite the Union to host its ‘A New World of Opportunity’ webinar for pupils at St Patricks College, Ballymena on the diversity of opportunities now available through Apprenticeships NI and Higher Level Apprenticeships. The webinar included contributions from employers Wrightbus, Radius Housing and Moore NI who recognise the value added by apprentices to their business.”
Kelly Keenan, CEAIG (Careers Education Advice Information and Guidance) at St Patricks College said:
“We were really pleased to take part in Apprenticeships – A New Work of Opportunity. Too often, our pupils are shoehorned into courses and jobs that do not suit their needs and cost them financially. The benefits of apprenticeships have been made very clear today and the team has made it very easy for my students to access the information they need, and the opportunities that now await them.”
Barry Neilson, Chief Executive of CITB NI said:
“CITB NI were delighted to be involved in this event highlighting the importance of apprenticeships and the different routes available. This event was an excellent platform to celebrate Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week and provide young students with the most up to date advice, guidance and support on the apprenticeship process. Apprenticeships are an important part of the career ladder and are beneficial to both the apprentice and the employer. Learning on the job is crucial to skills development whilst gaining the formal qualifications at the same time.”
Jackie Pollock, Regional Secretary of Unite the Union added:
“Unite the Union is delighted to partner up with Mid and East Antrim Council and CITB to bring forward the ‘New world of opportunities’ pilot initiative. This seeks to encourage 14-19 year old's, especially girls, to reconsider apprenticeships as a career pathway. There’s an exciting vast array of different apprenticeships out there, including Higher Level Apprenticeships, not just covering what might be anticipated as traditional trade and crafts but also including the likes of ICT, Administration, Civil Engineering and Accountancy.”
Cllr Johnson concluded:
“We are very grateful to have worked with CITB NI and Unite the Union on the planning and delivery of this event. We would also like to thank Wrightbus, Radius Housing and Moore NI for their support and particularly Leeanne, Orlagh and Jordanne for sharing their individual experiences of how following an apprenticeship has helped them progress their careers.”
To view the webinar with St Patricks College or to find out more about Apprenticeship Week and the various events taking place visit:
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