Gareth Harkness, an apprentice Engineer from Ballymena, has been crowned Apprentice of the Year 2014.

Gareth, 19, is completing his apprenticeship in Engineering at Northern Regional College, Ballymena. He is employed by Ryobi Aluminium Castings in Carrickfergus, who produce car engine castings that are distributed worldwide. The awards ceremony, organised by the Department for Employment and Learning, was held in Hillsborough Castle and was hosted by presenter Claire McCollum.

Congratulating the winners, Minister for Employment and Learning Dr Stephen Farry said: "The array of talent on display today is testament to the high level of skills and talent that exists in Northern Ireland. I congratulate Gareth, the Apprentice of the Year, and all the other apprentices here today on their achievements and wish them continued success in their chosen careers. Gareth is an excellent example of how an apprentice can form an integral part of a company.

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"Apprenticeships are an efficient and effective means for matching supply and demand in an economy: this is why delivering a world class system through my Department's current review of apprenticeships is essential.

"I am proposing that, for the first time in Northern Ireland, a central service will be introduced to promote and support apprenticeship provision, including assisting both employers and potential apprentices to make informed decisions about their participation including improved careers advice.

"As part of my review, I am also proposing that Apprenticeships will extend from Levels 3 through to Level 8 (PhD equivalent). This expansion into higher level apprenticeships will offer opportunities to expand the system into new occupational areas, including the professions and also into the public sector."

(CD/JP)