Farrans has participated in the NI Chamber's Future Workforce Series, run in partnership with NIE Networks, to mark NI Apprenticeship Week.

The event was hosted at Sensata Technologies in Newtownabbey and focused on how apprenticeships can help meet skills needs across Northern Ireland.

Utilities Director John Murphy joined a panel discussion exploring why businesses should invest in and recruit apprentices, drawing on Farrans' experience of developing early career talent.

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Almost 17% of the company's workforce is at an early career stage, spanning graduates, placement students and apprentices. Farrans began its apprenticeship programme in 2017 with three people and now has 40 apprentices at different points in their qualifications. Most pursue the Higher Level Apprenticeship route, studying areas such as Civil Engineering, Construction in the Built Environment and Quantity Surveying.

The company says apprentices gain skills tailored to its operations, which supports improved staff retention through strong loyalty. It also highlights the importance of informing parents about what a high-level apprenticeship entails.

Demand for higher level apprenticeships now outstrips supply among students, while only 11% of employers in Northern Ireland offer them.