Patrick Gillian, an engineering apprentice with Fivemiletown Creamery has taken the prestigious title of Northern Ireland's Apprentice of the Year 2008.

The competition showcases excellence in apprenticeship training and, is open to young people currently on the Department for Employment and Learning's apprenticeship (Jobskills or Training for Success) programmes and

Patrick was presented with his award at a gala event in Belfast's Hilton Hotel by the Minister for Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, who said: "Patrick is an excellent example of the achievement that can be realised when a young person chooses an apprenticeship as a career path to highly skilled employment.

"Patrick has emerged as a clear leader amongst his peer group and is recognised by his employer as a young man with a great desire to succeed, demonstrating a high degree of technical ability and commitment throughout his apprenticeship. He has made a significant and valuable contribution to Fivemiletown Creamery in improving efficiency and is a wonderful role model for others considering an apprenticeship."

An apprentice Joiner from Fermanagh was a short-listed finalist for Apprentice of the Year 2008.

Trevor Woods was presented with his Certificate in recognition of this short-listing recently by Sir Reg Empey, the Minister for Employment and Learning.

Presenting him with his Certificate at a gala event in Belfast's Hilton Hotel, Sir Reg Empey said

Trevor was an excellent example of the achievement that can be realised when a young person chooses an apprenticeship as a career path to highly skilled employment.

"Trevor", he stated, " has emerged as a clear leader amongst his peer group and is recognised by his employer as a young man with a great desire to succeed, demonstrating a high degree of technical ability and commitment throughout his apprenticeship.

"He has made a significant and valuable contribution to McAleer & Teague in improving efficiency and is a wonderful role model for others considering an apprenticeship."

There are now almost 8,000 apprentices currently training in Northern Ireland. All are following a training framework developed with the relevant industry sector. It includes attainment of a National Vocational Qualification, a technical certificate and specified essential skills. At the ceremony, the Minister also announced the introduction of all-age apprenticeships at Level 2 and Level 3 following the removal of the current upper age limit of 24. This new all age-provision will be separately branded as, 'Apprenticeships NI'. Arrangements will be in place for the main recruitment in September this year. This follows a commitment given by the Department under the Northern Ireland Skills Strategy to introduce mechanisms to upskill adults who currently fall outside the current age range 16-24 years.