WESTERN Education and Library Board (WELB) first-year beginning teachers from the nursery, primary, post-primary and special education sectors celebrated recently as they were awarded certificates for the successful completion of their induction year.

Speaking at the event, Barry Mulholland WELB chief executive, paid tribute to all of the beginning teachers and commended them on their professionalism and commitment to learning and teaching.

Referring to the future challenges facing education, he said, "This is a challenging time for education in Northern Ireland. However, all of the beginning teachers that have advanced through the WELB induction teacher training programme have displayed tremendous personal and social value and competencies to become great teachers."

"The WELB is very proud and privileged to have high quality teaching and learning taking place in schools throughout the WELB area. The WELB will continue to support this and ensure our pupils gain access to the very best resources to enable them to achieve their goals and aspirations and to make a full contribution to their community."

Paddy Mackey, WELB Head of Teaching, Learning, Curriculum and Youth also expressed his sincere thanks to all the school principals and teacher tutors for their continuing support to the programme.