Carrickfergus apprentice celebrates double triumph after being named Apprentice of the Year

A Carrickfergus apprentice has been recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s brightest emerging engineering talents after being crowned Apprentice of the Year at the NI Apprenticeship Awards 2026, before going on to secure a second major accolade on the very same day.

Paula Bamford, who is employed by Caterpillar, was honoured at the awards ceremony held at Titanic Hotel Belfast, in recognition of her outstanding technical ability, professionalism and commitment throughout her apprenticeship journey.

The achievement marks a major milestone not only for Paula personally, but also for Northern Regional College, where she is currently completing a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Engineering at the College’s Newtownabbey campus.

Double success in remarkable day

Paula won the Worldskills Intercampus CAD competition after picking up her Apprentice of the year Award

What had already become a standout day for the Carrickfergus apprentice quickly turned into a remarkable double success.

After receiving the prestigious Apprentice of the Year title, Paula went on to win the WorldSkills Intercampus CAD competition, further reinforcing her reputation as an exceptional emerging talent in the engineering field.

The second victory underlined both her technical precision and the high standard of skills she is developing within a globally recognised engineering environment.

‘I’m incredibly proud’

Speaking after her award success, Paula said:

“I’m incredibly proud to have been named Apprentice of the Year. My apprenticeship with Caterpillar and Northern Regional College has given me the opportunity to gain hands on experience while learning from highly skilled engineers.

“It has been a rewarding journey and I’ve really valued the chance to build my confidence, strengthen my technical skills and be part of such a supportive team throughout my apprenticeship.”

Her comments reflect the growing importance of work-based learning routes for young people entering high-value sectors such as advanced manufacturing and engineering.

College praises ‘exceptional accomplishment’

Paula collecting her Award from Graeme Wilkinson, Head of Skills (DFE)

Paula’s success has also been hailed as a strong reflection of the close partnership between Northern Regional College and major employers, helping to develop the next generation of industry talent across Northern Ireland.

Patrick Wallace, Head of Work Based Learning at Northern Regional College, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to see Paula named Apprentice of the Year. This is a hugely deserved achievement and a reflection of the dedication, professionalism and technical excellence she has demonstrated throughout her apprenticeship. To then go on and win the WorldSkills Intercampus CAD competition on the same day is an exceptional accomplishment.

“Paula is a fantastic ambassador for apprenticeships, for Northern Regional College and for the wider engineering sector.”

The praise places Paula’s achievement within a wider regional context, showcasing the calibre of skills being developed locally and the opportunities available through vocational education pathways.

Spotlight on apprenticeships across Northern Ireland

The NI Apprenticeship Awards celebrate individuals and organisations driving excellence in apprenticeship delivery across Northern Ireland.

According to the latest figures, more than 16,000 apprentices are currently participating in Department for the Economy apprenticeship programmes, spanning almost 200 pathways.

The breadth of those programmes highlights the central role apprenticeships continue to play in strengthening the region’s workforce and supporting economic growth and innovation.

Paula’s success story is likely to resonate strongly across Carrickfergus, Ballymena and the wider Northern Ireland area, particularly as engineering and advanced manufacturing remain key sectors for the local economy.

Applications now open

Meanwhile, Northern Regional College has confirmed that applications are now open for all apprenticeship programmes commencing in September 2026.

For further information on available courses and how to apply, please visit www.nrc.ac.uk

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At a glance

• Carrickfergus apprentice Paula Bamford has been named Apprentice of the Year 2026

• The awards ceremony took place at the Titanic Hotel Belfast

• Paula is employed by Caterpillar

• She is completing a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Engineering at Northern Regional College

• On the same day, she also won the WorldSkills Intercampus CAD competition

• More than 16,000 apprentices are currently on Department for the Economy programmes across almost 200 pathways

• Applications are now open for apprenticeship programmes beginning in September 2026