A partnership between Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC) and Belfast Boys' Model School that delivers a construction qualification has been recognised for its 'excellence in training' at this year's National Training Awards.

The award for Partnership and Collaboration was presented at a ceremony hosted by Olympic hurdling silver medallist and World Champion Colin Jackson in the Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ Offices. The event was organised by the Department for Employment and Learning.

"The future of Northern Ireland is in the hands of our young people, it is therefore essential that they have the skills and qualifications necessary to progress into a successful career," said Employment and Learning Minister," Sir Reg Empey.

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"I would like to commend Belfast Metropolitan College and Belfast Boys’ Model School on their commitment to ensuring all their students receive the qualifications they need for a successful future. I hope that the example set by these two institutions will encourage others to take a new approach to the training and development of their students," he said.

The partnership between Belfast Boys’ Model School and BMC delivered the EDEXCEL 1st Diploma in Construction to a group of 14 students aged 16+ who had under-performed in GCSE.

They were chosen because they had the potential to achieve but needed to re-engage with education and training to gain the necessary vocational skills and qualifications to help develop a career pathway.

The College managed the induction, delivery, assessment and examinations and the School provided a member of staff for one hour each day to visit and liaise with the students.

At the end of the course, 10 of the students achieved the equivalent to four GCSEs at grade C+ and the remaining four achieved an accredited award.

(NS/BMcc)