Ballymena's Leon Carley wins 'Young Apprentice of the Year’ Award with JANS Group

Rutledge's 'Young Apprentice of the Year,' apprentice joiner Leon Carley

JANS Group, one of Antrim's leading manufacturing firms is highlighting the importance of an apprenticeship career path.

This fast-paced organisation which includes a number of companies, one of which specialises in the construction of modular buildings for the leisure and residential market, has recently nurtured Rutledge's 'Young Apprentice of the Year,' apprentice joiner Leon Carley, to become the overall Northern Ireland winner.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross, praised JANS Group for its forward-thinking approach and commitment to delivering cutting-edge products delivered by a highly trained workforce.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross visits Rutledge Joinery Workshop in Antrim to learn more about their apprenticeship scheme. Pictured L-R: Alderman Stephen Ross, Charlene Bailie, Catherine O’Kelly, John Woods and Christine Mochan.

“With its commitment to innovation and excellence, it is no surprise that JANS Group is a leader in the manufacturing industry and a great place for their eight Rutledge apprentices to learn key joinery skills. 

“JANS Group is a prime example of a company that values its employees and invests in their future. I would encourage other companies in the Borough to undertake an apprenticeship scheme; it brings many benefits for both the apprentice and the company.”

Edel Healy, Head of Team Support at JANS Group, expressed her delight at Leon's success.

“As a multi-faceted Group serving many different market sectors, JANS Group is an ideal place for apprentices to develop skills and achieve success. I am very proud that Leon won this award out of 74 other apprentices and I hope he has a long and happy future here at JANS Group. We want to offer an excellent pathway for our employees that will encourage them to stay and grow their career within the Group.”

Rutledge's 'Young Apprentice of the Year,' Leon Carley is congratulated by the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross and Edel Healy, Head of Team Support at JANS Group. Second row, L-R: Milo Maguire, Daniel McAllister and Dean McGilton are also part of Rutledge’s joinery Apprenticeship at the JANS Group.

Christine Mochan, Manager of Rutledge, Antrim commented:

“I am delighted Leon has won this award, he has excelled from day one and I am over the moon that all his hard work has been recognised.”

Leon Carley was excited to be announced Rutledge’s ‘Young Apprentice of the Year':

“I am thrilled to have received this award; it’s great to be recognised for my hard work. My apprenticeship journey has been incredible at JANS Group, I’ve learned so many skills from both my mentor and other employees, and I would encourage other people considering a career in joinery to contact the Rutledge team.”