The new drive behind apprenticeships
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Sir Reg Empey, Northern Ireland Assembly Minister of Employment and Learning, with Wright Group Apprentice Laura King in one of the new buses manufactured at the Wright Group factory at Galgorm.
A NEWLY expanded apprentice training facility has been officially launched in Ballymena.
Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, opened the enhanced learning environment for apprentices who are undertaking professional and technical training with Wrightbus, Ballymena.
During 2008, Wrightbus recruited 70 apprentices under the Department for Employment and Learning's Apprentice-shipsNI provision, to contribute to the company's engineering and design work. Wrightbus recently received a boost when it won the contract to deliver 50 environmentally-friendly vehicles to StreetCar Rapid Transport Vehicle in San Diego, California.
This increased output has resulted in Wrightbus developing a workshop for practical training, an IT suite and two classrooms so that its apprentices have state-of-the-art facilities in which to undertake their training.
Speaking at the launch, Sir Reg said: "It is evident that by investing in our employees through the delivery of well structured and tailored training, we can realise a truly skilled workforce that will improve productivity, raise skills standards and improve the quality of customer service. ApprenticeshipsNI has been created to support employers to develop and enhance the skills of their workforce."
The Minister praised Wrightbus for investing in its workforce, adding: "Wrightbus' commitment to apprenticeships and workforce investment is an example to all. I urge all employers, both large and small, to really make it their business this year to find out more about apprenticeships and how they can help their business grow.
“Wrightbus has already realised these benefits and have seen apprentices progress through the company ranks to senior management positions."
The company said the new crop of apprentices will be entering into a vibrant training environment where they will gain first-hand experience within a company that is recognised the world over for its cutting-edge technology and design.
