Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has visited the site of Carrickfergus firm McCue to see first-hand how the company focuses on developing apprenticeships.

The project management and bespoke joinery company was praised by the Minister for its investment in skills in the workplace and commitment to offer apprenticeships for over 20 years. This visit coincided with Apprenticeship Week, an annual, week-long celebration led by the Department for the Economy, which aims to highlight the important role played by apprenticeships across Northern Ireland.

While touring McCue's 5,500m2 production facility, Minister Lyons met with staff and apprentices from the company, seeing first hand the contribution that apprentices provide.

Speaking during the visit, the Economy Minister said: "As part of my 10X Economy vision, we are focusing on developing a flexible skills system for the next decade, and in order to realise this ambition, we are focusing on innovation in areas where we have real strengths.

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"We have an exuberant manufacturing industry in Northern Ireland, which is showcased globally, and it is thanks to companies like McCue, that the industry is so strong. Getting first-hand experience will help apprentices develop the key skills that are required within the manufacturing environment, which can only strengthen our economy further.

"I am delighted to see that McCue, a company established some 68 years ago, is a thriving and successful business and that its apprenticeship programme is making a real difference and impacting not just the future of apprentices, but the business."

McCue currently employs 18 apprentices in partnership with the Northern Regional College – all of whom are studying NVQ Carpentry and Joinery at the college. As part of the apprenticeship programme, students undertake on-the-job training with the company's highly skilled craftsmen, as well as studying part time, which culminates in a recognised qualification.

Managing Director of McCue, Gary Purdy, who began his career as an apprentice with the company, commented: "It is a privilege to welcome the Economy Minister to our facility today to see the positive impact apprentices are having on our business.

"Apprentices are integral to strategic growth and thus success at McCue – accounting for almost 20% of our workforce. As we have begun our recovery following the pandemic, and workflow is increasing, it is imperative that we maintain the volume of apprentice joiners required to fulfil customer demand. Some of our most talented joiners joined the company as apprentices and have gone on to work on some of our outstanding and award-winning projects."