Ballymena firms are nominated for ‘Innovation’ awards

TWO Ballymena companies have been shortlisted in the ‘Innovation in Partnership’ category at Northern Ireland’s Apprentice of the Year Awards 2013.
The Wright Group and Seven Towers Training, Ballymena, were runners-up in the Innovation in Partnership Category at the Apprentice of the Year Awards 2013. Pictured with their certificates at the awards ceremony in Belfast's Holiday Inn are (L-R) Award sponsor, Rory Galway, Bombardier, Fred Greer, Wright Group, TV presenter Claire McCollum, Kim Alexander, Seven Towers Training and DEL Permanent Secretary Alan Shannon.The Wright Group and Seven Towers Training, Ballymena, were runners-up in the Innovation in Partnership Category at the Apprentice of the Year Awards 2013. Pictured with their certificates at the awards ceremony in Belfast's Holiday Inn are (L-R) Award sponsor, Rory Galway, Bombardier, Fred Greer, Wright Group, TV presenter Claire McCollum, Kim Alexander, Seven Towers Training and DEL Permanent Secretary Alan Shannon.
The Wright Group and Seven Towers Training, Ballymena, were runners-up in the Innovation in Partnership Category at the Apprentice of the Year Awards 2013. Pictured with their certificates at the awards ceremony in Belfast's Holiday Inn are (L-R) Award sponsor, Rory Galway, Bombardier, Fred Greer, Wright Group, TV presenter Claire McCollum, Kim Alexander, Seven Towers Training and DEL Permanent Secretary Alan Shannon.

The Wright Group and Seven Towers Training (7TT) were runners-up at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Claire McCollum at Belfast’s Holiday Inn.

Congratulating both, DEL’s Permanent Secretary Alan Shannon said: “Today’s event is testimony to the skills and talent Northern Ireland has to offer. Apprenticeships play a vital role in ensuring that we have a better skilled, modern and dynamic workforce to drive our economy forward. I wish to congratulate both the Wright Group and 7TT on their successful partnership.”

Richard Crommie from Wright Group, said: “We have worked closely with 7TT since 2000 and remain committed to nurturing and fostering this excellent partnership which benefits the wider community. I am confident our partnership will continue to grow and we will reap the benefits of a continually evolving quality training provision.”

Kim Alexander from 7TT, added: “The availability and use of technology enhanced learning in 7TT has been mirrored and enhanced in Wright Group. Sharing best practice across the partnership has positively impacted on staff professionalism, apprentice engagement and motivation.”

All apprentices throughout Northern Ireland follow a training framework developed with the relevant industry sector which includes attainment of a vocational qualification, a technical certificate and if necessary specified essential skills.