Rutledge has announced the recipient of the overall Northern Ireland 'Young Apprentice of the Year'.

Apprentice joiner Leon Carley claimed the award after being nurtured by one of Antrim's leading manufacturing firms, JANS Group.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross said: "With its commitment to innovation and excellence, it is no surprise that JANS Group is a leader in the manufacturing industry and a great place for their eight Rutledge apprentices to learn key joinery skills. 

"JANS Group is a prime example of a company that values its employees and invests in their future. I would encourage other companies in the Borough to undertake an apprenticeship scheme; it brings many benefits for both the apprentice and the company."

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Edel Healy, Head of Team Support at JANS Group, commented: "As a multi-faceted Group serving many different market sectors, JANS Group is an ideal place for apprentices to develop skills and achieve success. I am very proud that Leon won this award out of 74 other apprentices and I hope he has a long and happy future here at JANS Group. We want to offer an excellent pathway for our employees that will encourage them to stay and grow their career within the Group."

Speaking about his award win, Leon Carley added: "I am thrilled to have received this award; it's great to be recognised for my hard work. My apprenticeship journey has been incredible at JANS Group, I've learned so many skills from both my mentor and other employees, and I would encourage other people considering a career in joinery to contact the Rutledge team."