Search for Modern Apprentice of the year begins
The search has begun to find the Modern Apprentice of the Year for 2006.
The competition, open to 16-24 year olds on the Department for Employment and Learning’s Modern Apprenticeship programme, aims to recognise apprentices who have excelled in their chosen area. Local training organisations in particular are being asked to identify their best Modern Apprentices.
Speaking at the competition’s launch, Heather Stevens, Head of Skills and Industry Division at the Department for Employment and Learning, said: “Modern Apprenticeships help young people develop the skills and qualifications they need to launch their career.
“This competition recognises the cream of our young talent – the apprentices who are successfully acquiring the skills they need to enhance their own prospects and, in turn, help boost the economy.”
Last year’s winner, Alan Rooks, works for Allied Bakeries in East Belfast. Prior to his win, he had already implemented new practices which had saved the company over £100,000 in manufacturing costs. Since his success, Alan has taken up a new post within the company.
The City and Guilds sponsored awards ceremony, set to be held on 16 May at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, will see the Modern Apprentice of the Year presented with a complete computer package courtesy of Fujitsu. The training organisation that provides the winner’s training will also be recognised, as well the Modern Apprentice who has overcome significant personal challenges to achieve his or her goals.
The closing date for entries is noon on 8 March. Full details and a nomination form can be downloaded from the Department’s website at http://www.delni.gov.uk/MA2006NomForm or by contacting ma2006@creativeevents.co.uk 
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1.Modern Apprenticeships are open to young people aged 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 6,200 Modern Apprentices currently in training in Northern Ireland.
2.For further details regarding the competition, please contact the Department for Employment and Learning’s Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
Photo Caption (jpeg)
3.Local personality Christine Bleakley gives Alan Rooks of Allied Bakeries a helping hand at the launch of the Modern Apprentice of the Year competition. The title, which Alan lifted in 2005, is up for grabs to the top apprentice on the Department for Employment and Learning’s Modern Apprenticeship programme. Also pictured are (l-r), Helen Bready, City and Guilds, Brian Evans, Fujitsu and Heather Stevens of the Department for Employment and Learning. More information and an application form can be found at www.delni.gov.uk