DEL apprentice of the year awards
Congratulations to two apprentices from South West College who have been shortlisted in this year’s Department for Employment and Learning Apprentice of the Year Awards. Now in its 10th year, the awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of people following the Apprenticeship programme across Northern Ireland and reinforce the value of apprenticeships to the economy, organisations and individuals.
During early April, Philip Glasgow (Omagh Campus) and Ciaran Flynn (Enniskillen Campus) were visited on site at their workplace by a panel of judges who assessed their occupational progress, practical and theoretical ability, their positive approach to employment, communication skills and other outstanding personal qualities.
Philip from Cookstown is completing the final year of the NVQ Level 3 in Site Carpentry at the Omagh Campus and is currently employed by Tobermore in Magherafelt. Speaking about his nomination Philip said:
“I am very privileged to be nominated for the Apprentice of the Year Award. I have been an apprentice in the building industry for three years so it is a great honour to be up for such an award at this stage. I have given it my best shot and I am looking forward to the gala presentation in May.”
Ciaran Flynn from Roslea is studying the C&G NVQ Level 3 and C&G Technical Certificate in Plumbing at the College’s Enniskillen Campus and is employed by Michael McGrade in Lisnaskea. Commenting on Ciaran’s success, his tutor Raymond Howe explained the reason behind the nomination:
“Ciaran has demonstrated great adversity in the face of a very debilitating disease however he always works hard in class and on site. He has demonstrated impeccable commitment to achieving his goal of becoming a qualified plumber. Even though he has not fully recovered from his illness he attends class regularly, produces practical work to a very high standard and is very successful in the theory exams. Ciaran is an ideal role model for his peers.”
Having received a glowing report from his tutor, Ciaran added:
“I am delighted to have been entered into this competition and it means a lot to have been nominated by my tutor. I appreciate the recognition after everything I have been through. Once I am a qualified plumber I intend to return to South West College to further my education by doing a Building services course or a construction course.”
Both students, their tutors and their employers have been invited to attend a gala presentation at the Europa Hotel in Belfast on 19th May where the overall winners from three categories will be announced; Apprentice of the Year, Most Promising First Year Apprentice and Personal Achievement Apprentice.
