Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has launched the 2023 Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards and is inviting applications to find the Apprentice of the Year.

The Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards recognise apprentices, employers and training organisations who have demonstrated exceptional progress as well as personal achievement and commitment and will culminate in a special awards ceremony on 29 March 2023.

Launching the Awards, the Minister said: "I am delighted to launch the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2023. Apprentice of the Year Awards started back in 2001 and over the years these awards have had a track record of showcasing and celebrating the depth and quality of the talent within our local apprentices, their employers and training providers across a wide range of sectors.

"Developing the local skills base is a key priority for me and a cornerstone of our economic recovery. My Department's 10X Economic Vision and associated Skills Strategy set out how we want to equip people with the skills they need within the constantly evolving jobs market and help to build on Northern Ireland's successes on the global stage. Apprenticeships are integral to this vision.

"It is essential that we celebrate the excellent work of our apprentices, employers and training providers and I would encourage everyone who is working in the wide range of apprenticeships available across Northern Ireland to share with us their apprenticeship experiences by entering the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards competition."

Professor Jonathan Heggarty MBE, Principal and CEO of Stranmillis University College said: "I am very much looking forward to being a judge again this year. Apprenticeships and Higher Level Apprenticeships are extremely important to the future of the Northern Ireland economy and offer a fantastic opportunity for apprentices to 'earn and learn' in a wide variety of career pathways.

"It is appropriate that the talent, commitment and hard work of apprentices, employers and training providers are recognised through the NI Apprenticeship Awards once more. I wish all applicants the best and look forward to meeting and speaking to our finalists, and hearing of their experiences."

There are five award categories:

• Apprentice Award (Levels 2-3);
• Higher Level Apprentice Award (Level 4+);
• Large Employer in partnership with their Training Provider Award (employers with 250 employees and over);
• Small and Medium Enterprise in partnership with their Training Provider Award (employers with fewer than 250 employees); and,
• Outstanding Mentor Award.

Applications for the Awards are now open. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 18 November 2022.

More information including full details on application criteria for each of the awards and how to apply visit can be found at the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2023 page on the Department's website.