The Construction Employer Federation's (CEF) Construction Excellence Awards at the Culloden Hotel, Cultra, showcased the best of the construction industry in Northern Ireland and to celebrate the industry's achievements.

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry: "There have been positive signs across a range of major economic indicators, however, there remains no room for complacency and in this context skills are a key driver of growth, performance and prosperity.

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"As the economic landscape improves, the construction industry's output is projected to expand at an annual average rate of 2.3% over the next five years and employment is forecast to start rising again. I am committed to supporting the construction industry to develop the highly skilled professionals it needs to meet its immediate skills challenges and prepare for the future.

"With funding from my Department there is a range of activity to ensure that the supply of construction skills in the labour market matches the demand. Through the 'Qualifying the Existing Workforce' project over 500 construction employees have gained an NVQ level 2, and a second phase will fund a further 1,000 qualifications up to Level 3 by March 2016."

(CD/IT)