Maire McToal and Kieran McToal pictured with Laura Ferris from AG Paving & Buildings Products Ltd.
As part of NI Apprenticeship Week, Northern Regional College hosted a dynamic careers event at The Braid in Ballymena, highlighting the extensive opportunities available through Higher Level Apprenticeships.
The event, supported by Mid & East Antrim Labour Market Partnership, the Department for Communities, the Department for the Economy, and BringIT On, attracted significant interest from school leavers eager to explore their future career paths.
A range of leading employers, including FP McCann, Sensata Technologies, Lakeland Dairies and Moore Concrete, attended the event, offering guidance on apprenticeship pathways and recruitment opportunities. These businesses, spanning various industries, provided valuable insights into the benefits of gaining practical experience while earning a qualification.
Pamela McKeown and Jay McKeown
Shauna McErlain and Veronika Hubinska from SAM Ltd.
Sean McAleese, Work-Based Learning Manager at Northern Regional College, emphasised the value of apprenticeships for individuals seeking an alternative to traditional academic routes.
“This event was designed to help young people studying A-Levels or a Level 3 qualification—as well as those in employment looking to upskill—understand the wealth of opportunities available through apprenticeships,” he said.
“Apprenticeships allow people to ‘earn as they learn,’ making them an excellent option for developing valuable skills that enhance employability. The introduction of ‘All Age Apprenticeships’ has further expanded access, opening doors for more individuals to take advantage of these programmes.”
Lisa Foster from Northern Regional College pictured with Pearse McAllister and Bryan McAllister.
Alex Bell and Stephanie Bell from WH Stephens.
Northern Regional College offers Higher Level Apprenticeships in a diverse range of fields, including Accountancy, Architectural Technology, Children's Care (Leadership and Management Pathway), Cloud Computing with Cyber Security, Construction, Engineering, Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management, Supply Chain & Logistics, and more.
In collaboration with Northern Regional College, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council coordinated a series of events and promotional activities throughout the week to showcase the benefits of apprenticeships for individuals, businesses, and the broader economy.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting local businesses and young people.
“We are dedicated to creating opportunities for young talent while ensuring our local businesses have the workforce support they need. By working closely with employers and schools, we aim to equip young people with the skills and experience necessary to build strong career foundations.”
David Gilmour and Wendy Donnelly from Moore Concrete.
Mark Hetherington and Vivien Gordon from Northern Regional College.
Eamonn Brankin, Digital IT Hub Manager, CyberFirst NI, Hayley Barr, Skills Development Officer LMP, Sean Keenan, Economic Development Officer, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, and Gordon Kane, Curriculum Area Manager.
Norman Sterritt, Chair of the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership, also highlighted the significance of the initiative.
“We are pleased to support an event that connects young people directly with employers, giving them firsthand insight into the exciting career prospects available through Higher Level Apprenticeships in our region.”
The Council’s Labour Market Partnership (LMP), a province-wide initiative developed by the Department for Communities, is focused on improving access to employment and training by fostering collaboration between stakeholders and streamlining employability support.