A NI Government procurement initiative for electrical workers has been shortlisted at the National Government Opportunities (GO) Excellence in Public Procurement Awards.

The Central Procurement Directorate's (CPD) 'Licence to Practise' scheme has been put forward for the Innovation or Initiative of the Year category.

The programme seeks to improve health and safety, electrical installation standards and skills development in government construction projects within Northern Ireland.

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It does so by ensuring only those electrical workers who are licensed to practise are deployed on government construction sites.

Finance Minister Mervyn Storey said: "These awards showcase the very best that public sector procurement has to offer, particularly as a means of delivering more efficient and effective public services. It is therefore fitting that my Department’s Central Procurement Directorate, which strives for the highest standards in government procurement and construction, should be recognised for their excellence in this area.

"The Licence to Practise initiative is the first of its kind in the UK and is a great example of Northern Ireland leading the way, using an innovative approach to ensure best practice on construction sites. It is also evidence of what can be achieved in a strong partnership between government and industry, and I believe it will deliver real benefits for our infrastructure projects."

(LM/MH)