The Department for the Economy (DfE) has encouraged employers and would-be apprentices to take part in Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2024.

NI Apprenticeship Week will run from 5 to 9 February and will showcase how apprenticeships can transform the future of apprentices. Would-be apprentices will be able to learn more about a range of opportunities including construction and engineering.

Moira Doherty, Head of Skills and Education at DfE, said: "Apprenticeships offer a fantastic way to learn new skills, gain recognised qualifications and enable you to release your potential.

"Employed from the start, you earn while you learn, working alongside experienced staff as well as studying at a local college, university or private training provider. And for employers, apprenticeships offer access to fresh talent as apprentices gain the real-world skills and qualifications needed to help your business grow. I encourage anyone with an interest in an apprenticeship to check out the events planned for NI Apprenticeship Week and get involved to find out more.

"Apprenticeships are crucial to underpinning the inclusive economic growth we all want for Northern Ireland."

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The NI Apprenticeship Awards 2024 will take place on 27 March, Ms Doherty said: "It is tremendously encouraging to see the exceptional quality of the apprenticeship training evident in this year's nominations for the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards. The quality of submissions reflects a deep commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a skilled workforce, and is testament to the transformative power of apprenticeships."

Finalists in each Award category for the NI Apprenticeship Awards 2024 are as follows.

Apprentice Award:

• Kim Hunter, Greiner Packaging, studying at South West College

• Andrew Smyth, Thales UK Limited, studying at South Eastern Regional College

• Emma Taggart, Bupa Dental Care Omagh, studying at South West College

Higher-Level Apprentice Award:

• Gavin Magee, Corr’s Corner Hotel, studying at Belfast Met

• Joanne McCubbin, Manfreight Ltd, studying at South West College

• Jill O'Neill, Magherafelt Manor Care Home, studying at Open University

Public Sector Apprentice Award:

• Barry Killen, Department for Communities, studying at Belfast Met

• Danny McGinley, Translink Northern Ireland Railways, studying at Northern Regional College

• Aisling Ying, Department of Finance, studying at Belfast Met

Mentor Award:

• Helen Goodrich, Almac, working with Southern Regional College

• Mark Savage, Re-Gen Waste, working with Southern Regional College

• Brian Welsh, Harland & Wolff, working with Northern Regional College

Small to Medium Enterprise in partnership with a Training Provider Award:

• Irwin Mechanical & Electrical Ltd in partnership with Southern Regional College

• McCue in partnership with Northern Regional College

• Neddy Teddy's Day Nursery Limited in partnership with Belfast Met

Large Employer in partnership with a Training Provider Award:

• Galgorm Collection in partnership with Belfast Met

• PwC in partnership with Ulster University

• Ryobi Aluminium Castings (UK) Ltd in partnership with Northern Regional College

Diversity and Inclusion Award:

• Deloitte

• Greiner Packaging