20 March 2000
NATIONAL TRAINING AWARDS 2000 - CALL FOR ENTRIES AS LOCAL SCHOOL IS TOP OF THE FORM
"If you’re not in, you can’t win!"
That was the message from Training and Employment Agency (T&EA) Chief Executive, Ian Walters, today as he urged organisations throughout Northern Ireland to enter the 2000 National Training Awards competition.
The call for entries follows hard on the heels of the news that St Mary’s College, Londonderry was one of only three organisations from across the UK to win a National Training Millennium Excellence award.
Mr Walters explained: "The training and development of our workforce is not an optional extra – it is a prerequisite if Northern Ireland is to succeed in developing the innovative and knowledge-based economy it needs to succeed in the 21st century.
"That is a message more and more of our organisations are now taking on board and this year’s National Training Awards will give them the chance to gain a tangible benefit and recognition for their efforts."
Mr Walters said that Northern Ireland had an enviable success rate in the competition and added: "The Awards are a natural part of business improvement and their significance has not been lost on individuals and businesses in Northern Ireland.
"Apart from implementing systems which can only benefit them in the long term, participants gain a great deal in terms of heightened profile, raised staff morale and, ultimately, productivity. Any organisation worth its salt should consider entering this year’s competition."
Congratulating St Mary’s College on winning a Millennium Excellence Award,
Mr Walters said that the school had shown how training has not only dramatically improved academic results, but had a beneficial impact on the community.
"This is a richly deserved award for St Mary’s, but it comes as no surprise. The school has already won a host of awards, including two National Training awards, and has achieved Investors in People recognition," he added.
Entry to the National Training Awards 2000 is open to companies and organisations of all sizes. A mailshot has already issued to over 5,000 organisations and a series of workshops will be held throughout Northern Ireland to help maximise entrants’ chances of success.
Anyone who is interested and would like to get an entry pack can do so by calling a special Freephone number 0800 9177337.
Entries close in May and remember, if you’re not in, you can’t win!
NOTE TO EDITORS :
The National Training Awards were introduced in 1987 to recognise and encourage the importance of training in the growth of the economy.
St Mary’s College received their Millennium Excellence Award at a special ceremony in the Millennium Dome in London.
For further information, interviews or photographs please contact Simon Burrowes on 01232 257831 or 0850 976067.