Northern Ireland Electricity has won the Department of Employment and Learning’s (DEL) Employer Award 2008. The award recognises the success of NIE’s apprentice programme, which has been developing the company’s workforce for over 30 years.

Laurence MacKenzie, Managing Director NIE, says the company is committed to the apprenticeship programme and that interest from young people across Northern Ireland is at an all time high. “At NIE we have a solid training programme, which takes promising trainees and gives them the skills and qualifications to develop their careers within the electricity industry. Many of our senior managers joined NIE through the apprenticeship scheme; it provided a tremendous platform from which to launch their careers. This award not only encourages employers to strive for excellence but also acknowledges the high standard of NIE apprentices completing training programmes. We also believe our apprenticeship scheme represents best practice corporate citizenship, an important part of NIE’s ethos.”

The Employer Award follows the success of NIE apprentice Eamonn Maynes, who won the DEL Modern Apprentice of the Year in 2007. In the last year NIE has received over 1,400 applications for 15 apprenticeships in Overhead Lines, Tree Cutting, Jointing and Plant Maintenance.

Laurence MacKenzie adds, “At NIE we look for exceptional apprentices to work in a highly skilled and challenging environment. We hope more young people will recognise the value of an industrial apprenticeship as key in developing the technical skills which will enhance their career prospects.”

Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey, said, “Through their commitment to apprenticeships, NIE has recognised the important role that on-the-job training plays in equipping employees with the practical skills for employment. They are to be congratulated for winning this Employer Award and for demonstrating the tremendous benefits that apprenticeships provide to employers.”



ENDS

Author: NIE Corporate Communications - 23/05/2008

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