Some 17 tradesmen have received recognition for being the first in NI to receive NVQ qualifications through site-based training achieving Experienced Workers Practical Assessment (EWPA) NVQ Level 2 qualifications.

Such training that has resulted in EWPA NVQ Level 2 qualifications has never been done in Northern Ireland and it has been made possible by a collaborative partnership between Amey, Farrans, H&J Martin and Pattons (Amey FMP), CITB-ConstructionSkills Northern Ireland, and the Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB).

According to CITB-ConstructionSkills Northern Ireland, the funding for this innovative project was provided by them along with the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) with the delighted tradesmen receiving their certificates at a 'Recognition of Achievement Evening' held at the Hilton Hotel Belfast.

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Accredited by the Construction Awards Alliance, the 'Experienced Workers' respective trades are Painting, Bricklaying, Joinery and Floor Laying.

This event celebrated not only their achievement but also their contribution to the construction industry in Northern Ireland at a time when the industry is facing many challenges.

Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Employment, and Learning welcomed the significant achievement of the project and said: "It is vital that employers and their staff continue to train through these challenging economic times and this is particularly important for the construction sector.

"Over 70% of the workers who will be employed in 10 years time are already in the workforce and it is critical that they and their employers continue to improve their skills and indeed seek recognition for existing competences and that is why my Department was pleased to fund this project.

"I believe that the learning from this successful project has the potential to assist not only the construction sector but also the broader skills recognition aim in other sectors as well.

"My particular congratulations go to those tradesmen who success is being recognised and celebrated," he said.

(BMcC/GK)