Rafal - You're hired as the apprentice of the year
19 May 2009
Rafal Cherezniak was today announced as Northern Ireland’s Apprentice of the Year 2009.
The Apprentice of the Year competition is open to those currently on the Department for Employment and Learning’s Apprenticeship programmes and showcases excellence in apprenticeship training.
Rafal, 24, came to Belfast from Poland in October 2006 and started working in the hospitality sector as a kitchen porter with Castle Catering. In January 2008 he joined the Apprenticeship programme with Belfast Metropolitan College and by September he had progressed to a level 3 in Hospitality Supervision. He has since been appointed as one of the catering managers at Malone House, Belfast, with responsibility for the daily running of the establishment and has up to 20 staff under his direction.
Presenting him with his award at a gala event in Belfast’s Hilton Hotel, Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey said: “Rafal is an excellent example of the achievement that can be realised when choosing an apprenticeship as a career path to highly skilled employment.
“He has emerged as a clear leader and is recognised by his employer as a young man with a great desire to succeed, demonstrating a high degree of commitment throughout his apprenticeship. He has made a significant and valuable contribution to Castle Catering and is a wonderful role model for others considering an apprenticeship.”
There are now over 10,000 apprentices currently training in Northern Ireland. All are following a training framework developed with the relevant industry sector, which includes attainment of a National Vocational Qualification, a technical certificate and specified essential skills.
Sir Reg continued: “We have experienced a year of many challenges for our local and indeed the wider economy. Despite these challenges, I am encouraged that many organisations are seizing the opportunity to make the most of these times, by investing in training in preparation for the brighter days ahead. I am particularly keen to ensure that we remain committed to raising the skills level of the workforce and to continue to meet the economic challenges we face.
“High level skills are critical to adequately meet the needs of our economy and the enhancement of global competitiveness. I am confident that ApprenticeshipsNI will continue to be fully embraced by industry, Sector Skills Councils and existing or newly recruited employees.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Others shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year Award were:
Martin Davey, an Apprentice in Refrigeration is from Ballymena and works with Chilltec Refrigeration Ltd in Ballymena. His Training Organisation is South Eastern Regional College (Lisburn Campus).
Patrick Fitzpatrick, an Apprentice in Hairdressing is from Newry and works with The Works in Castlewellan. His Training Organisation is Academy Hair and Beauty Training School, Belfast.
Lucy King, an Apprentice in Food Manufacturing is from Portadown and works with Moy Park, Craigavon. Her Training Organisation is Food and Drink Sector Skills, Belfast.
Padraig Rogers, an Apprentice in Plumbing, Heating and Ventilation Engineering is from Newry and works with Patrick O’Hagan in Newry. His Training Organisation is Southern Regional College (Newry Campus).
2. Other awards presented at the ceremony included:
The Most Promising 1st Year Award was presented to Patrice Cunningham, an Apprentice in Health & Social Care. Patrice (41) is from Armagh and works with Green Park Nursing Home, Armagh. Patrice’s Training Organisation is Southern Regional College.
Others Shortlisted for this Category include:
James Hamilton, an Engineering Maintenance Apprentice from Belfast. James (17) works at Allied Bakeries and trains with Engineering Training Services.
Ross Johnston, a Plant and Maintenance Engineering Apprentice from Larne. Ross (20) works for Diageo and trains with Engineering Training Services.
Personal Achievement Award was presented to Emma Armstrong (18) from Crossgar, who has endured many years of surgery as a result of serious burns received at the age of three. She works for NFU Mutual in Downpatrick and trains with Hugh J. O'Boyle Training Ltd.
Others Shortlisted for this Category include:
James Orr (19), an Apprentice Wood Machinist from County Down, works for Mark Rooney, Downpatrick. James trains with South Eastern Regional College.
Gary McIlhennon (25) a Hospitality Apprentice from Belfast. Gary works for Avenance, Belfast and trains with VT Training, Belfast.
Partnership Award was presented to Schrader Electronics Ltd and Northern Regional College. The partnership demonstrates their commitment to excellence; ensuring apprentices receive the very best possible experience in training and in work.
Others Shortlisted for this Category include:
Donnelly Bros & Southern Regional College
Leonard Cheshire Disability & Southern Regional College
3. Apprentice of the Year 2009 is sponsored by City and Guilds, Bombardier, Fujitsu and Michelin.
City & Guilds sponsored the Apprentice of the Year award.
Michelin, Ballymena sponsored the Most Promising 1st Year Award
Fujitsu sponsored the Personal Achievement Award
Bombardier sponsored the Partnership Award.
4. The awards ceremony was attended by various organisations involved in the delivery of the Department’s flagship Apprenticeship training programme, including representatives from Training Organisations, Employers and Sector Skills Councils from across the province and, of course, the short-listed finalists along with their families and friends.
5. Apprentice of the Year received 41 nominations. Most Promising 1st Year Apprentice Award - 31 nominations. Personal Achievement Award - 14 nominations. Partnership Award - 12 nominations. Total - 98 nominations across all categories.
6. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
