Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry recently visited apprentices who are honing their skills at the National Trust's Mount Stewart House in Newtownards.

Two apprentices, Callum McCaffrey and James Harper, are studying for an NVQ in Carpentry and Joinery at South East Regional College's (SERC) Newtownards Campus.

Minister Farry said: "It is encouraging to see apprentices working on this significant restoration project at Mount Stewart House, especially as they develop their skills whilst availing of the opportunity to earn while they learn.

"There is a clear need to increase our skills base as we seek to compete in the global marketplace and apprenticeships will play a key role. Existing apprenticeship and youth training schemes have served Northern Ireland businesses well, but the types of economic activity in which they engage and the goods and services they produce are changing rapidly.

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"This is why I have initiated reviews of both apprenticeships and the future of youth training in Northern Ireland. My vision for these reviews is to build on and enhance our existing provision, and to make Northern Ireland the gold standard for youth training and apprenticeships in the future."

The Review of Apprenticeships consultation will close on 7 April 2014.

Both apprentices are learning specialist conservation joinery skills as part of their apprenticeship with at Mount Stewart House. They are working on a range of projects including restoration of the historic house which will involve conservation work to the Grade A listed building.

Thompson Keating, SERC Director of Economic and Corporate Development, said: "Apprenticeships are a real alternative for ambitious young people who want to earn while working towards recognised qualifications and a rewarding career. SERC apprenticeship programmes give students the opportunity to develop their skills and put theory into practice.

"Combining employment with a structured training programme, apprentices will receive a salary and study towards an internationally-recognised professional qualification with the potential to gain permanent roles upon completion."

(CD/JP)