Discover new apprenticeship opportunities during NIAW23!
Thursday 2 February 2023
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has teamed up with a range of partners to deliver a series of in-person and virtual events showcasing the benefits of becoming an apprentice as part of Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2023 (NIAW23).
Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2023 takes place between 6-10 February. Council has collaborated with a number of schools and organisations across the Borough to provide a dedicated week of events and promotional activities that will demonstrate how apprenticeships work for individuals, businesses, communities and the wider economy.
Mayor of Mid & East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, said:
“Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is committed to supporting local businesses - offering a pipeline of talent and employees to our local businesses and providing career pathways to the young people across our Borough.
“Through collaboration with local employers and schools we aim to ensure that our businesses have the support they need to introduce new talent into their workforces and provide pathways for our young people to gain the skills and experience they need to build the foundations for their career pathway.
“I started my working life with an apprenticeship with the RAF and it has held me in good stead as I progressed through my working life as a manager and director. I wholeheartedly endorse an apprenticeship as a splendid way to start a career, or even to change one’s working direction in later life.”
In support of NIAW23, Caterpillar in Larne will welcome pupils from local schools to gain an insight into the diverse career opportunities available at the global organisation and hear about their apprenticeship programme. They currently have recruitment opportunities available for apprenticeships in the areas of fabrication/welding, paint, and site facilities/maintenance. Find out more about these exciting opportunities at caterpillar.com/careers .
Helen Reilly, Caterpillar Larne Facility Manager, said:
“Caterpillar apprenticeships provide a unique opportunity to gain hands-on manufacturing experience while working for a global company. We are delighted to share more about our company and our apprentice programmes with local schools and look forward to developing key talent to support our business.”
Bailey Harrington, maintenance apprentice at the Caterpillar Larne site, adds:
"My apprenticeship at Caterpillar has given me the opportunity to gain practical experience while continuing my education. I have been supported in my development and have learnt so much during my apprenticeship including valuable technical knowledge and skills that will benefit me in my future career - such as being able to work individually and as part of a team."
Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week is a Department for the Economy-led initiative.
Heather Cousins, Head of Skills and Education Group in the Department for the Economy, comments:
“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn new skills while earning and setting your career on a strong footing for the future. NI Apprenticeship Week is a great showcase for the apprenticeship opportunities that exist right across Northern Ireland and I urge young people and employers alike to consider how apprenticeships can work for them. I am delighted that Caterpillar and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council are actively engaging with NI Apprenticeship Week and I wish them every success.”
For further information on the events available throughout NIAW23, please visit our LMP Events section.