Stormont Finance Minister Nigel Dodds has spoken of his confidence in Northern Ireland apprenticeships, following further government focus on creating a sustainable local construction sector.

Mr Dodds, touring the site of the new Model School for Girls in north Belfast, met three apprentices who are currently working on the project.

The apprentices are undertaking general site joinery works, general brickwork and electrical installation works.

The Minister said Executive colleagues recognise the vital role a sustainable construction industry plays in the economy of Northern Ireland.

"The new public sector client requirement for main contractors to recruit one apprentice, either directly or through the supply chain for each £2m of construction project value, will make a significant contribution."

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A Sustainability Task Group, set up under the auspices of the Construction Industry Forum for Northern Ireland has developed 'Proposals For Promoting Equality And Sustainable Development By Sustainable Procurement In Construction'.

These proposals, to be included in all new public sector construction contracts from December 2008, require contractors to deliver a range of economic, social and environmental measures aimed at delivering Government's wider sustainability objectives.

Mr Dodds said: "The Programme for Government identifies sustainability as a cross cutting theme and that building a sustainable future will be a key driver for social, economic and environmental policies.

"This contract is an excellent example of local firms working together to secure local projects and enhance our economy.

"The support provided to the apprentices in this scheme will not only improve their careers and future prospects but improve the sustainability of the construction industry as a whole."

(PR/JM)