8 June 2005
MODERN APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR CROWNED IN BELFAST
Smart thinking by the Modern Apprentice of the Year for 2005 has netted £100,000 in savings for his employers.
Alan Rooks, from Newtownabbey, an apprentice baker at Allied Bakeries in East Belfast, was recognised with the award at a ceremony in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.
He was awarded the City & Guilds Modern Apprentice of the Year title after showing outstanding progress in his training programme. His achievements included suggesting a new technique in his firm’s production process, which has led to the financial savings.
Presenting Alan with his award Angela Smith, Minister for Employment and Learning, said: "Modern Apprenticeships were conceived and designed by local employers. They aim to provide local business with young employees who will become the managers and technicians of the future, to enable the local economy to compete globally. This is achieved by building apprentices’ knowledge and skills, whilst continually testing their competence.
"Alan is a fine example of this in action. Not only is he personally benefiting from the programme, but his employers are also reaping the tangible financial rewards of working with the JobSkills Modern Apprenticeship programme.
"The commitment Alan has shown has been exceptional and I wish him well in his chosen career."
Alan’s training is managed by the Food and Drink Training Council, who were also recognised with an award for their role in supporting Alan through his training programme.
This year the Personal Achievement Award, sponsored in its inaugural year by the Agnew Group, was also presented to the Modern Apprentice who had shown determination to overcome significant difficulties and achieve their personal objectives.
The winner of this award was Richard Beattie from Belfast. Profoundly deaf from birth, Richard has shown determination in working towards his childhood dream of becoming a plumber. After initially applying unsuccessfully to 33 different companies seeking an apprenticeship, he is now approaching the completion of his training and is in full-time employment.
The winners take home commemorative plaques, whilst the Modern Apprentice of the Year also receives a computer from sponsors Fujitsu.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Modern Apprenticeships are open to young people age 16 - 24 who are entering full time employment, or meet specified criteria for existing employees. Apprentices follow a training framework developed with the relevant industry, which includes attainment of a National Vocational Qualification at Level 3, a technical certificate and specified key skills. There are around 6,400 Modern Apprentices currently in training in Northern Ireland.
- The competition is aimed at young people in training under the Department for Employment and Learning’s Jobskills Modern Apprenticeship programme. It recognises apprentices who have demonstrated exceptional progress in areas such as practical and theoretical ability as well as personal achievement and commitment.
- The Modern Apprentice of the Year, Alan Rooks, is employed by Allied Bakeries, Castlereagh and is trained by the Food and Drink Training Council.
- Winner of the Award for Personal Achievement, Richard Beattie, is employed by Richard Stevens of Waringstown and is trained by Belfast Institute for Further and Higher Education.
- Photographs of the award winners are available by contacting Creative Events on 028 9023 5001.
- Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
Click here to print this press release.
