Robert impresses at Apprentice of the Year Awards

A finalist in the prestigious Apprentice of the Year category, the 20-year-old is following an apprenticeship in engineering at Northern Regional College in Ballymena and is employed by Dale Farm Limited in the town.

The awards ceremony, organised by the Department for Employment and Learning, was held in Belfast’s Holiday Inn and was hosted by TV presenter Claire McCollum.

Congratulating the winners, at the ceremony was organised by (DEL) the Department for Employment and Learning whose Permanent Secretary Alan Shannon said: “The Apprentice of the Year Awards are testimony to the real 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. Apprenticeships work for both businesses and individuals, providing companies with a skilled workforce to help them grow and giving individuals such as Robert both hands-on experience and qualifications.”

Speaking about his success, Robert said: “The food industry demands high quality standards and high productivity at low cost. I appreciate the opportunity to work in and be part of a cutting edge food processing facility. In return, I give my all. I will tackle any problem and come up with viable solutions that will save money and increase productivity. I love my work which involves routine maintenance of electrical, mechanical and plc systems.”

Nigel Nixon from Dale Farm Ltd in Ballymena said: “Robert has fitted very well into a long established ‘mature’ maintenance team, showing the right attitude towards work, getting on with people, being a team player and being liked by all. He has achieved a lot in a little more than a year, demonstrating that he can work on his own, getting on with the job and doing it right first time.

“He has shown great enthusiasm from day one, always willing to oblige and help out. He clearly understands the pressures and requirements of this busy manufacturing facility. He has brought a freshness and enthusiasm to this team with new innovative ideas and approach clearly demonstrated to all.”

Sean McAleese from Northern Regional College said Robert started as a Programme-Led apprentice in September 2010 before securing a work placement with Dalefarm Ltd after a rigorous interview process and was offered a paid apprenticeship in October, 2011.

“Robert has positioned himself as a core member of the maintenance team, his fresh approach and enthusiasm to learn has impressed his peers,” said Sean.

“Robert has been involved in a number of key crucial work based projects which normally are out with the remit of an apprentice. However, Robert’s knowledge, maturity and innovative approach to his work has enabled him to undertake some notable projects which he held sole responsibility. He has great practical ability and has worked in a multi-disciplinary environment undertaking a number of complex projects in mechanical, electrical and pneumatics projects which are beyond the normal remit of an apprentice.”