Wrightbus Talent Recognised by Minister
FRESH NEW WRIGHTBUS TALENT RECOGNISED BY MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING AT THE WRIGHT GROUP APPRENTICE SCHEME – GRADUATION 2012
The second annual Achievement Ceremony took place on Thursday 29th March 2011 in Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena. The Keynote speaker was the Minister for Employment and Learning Dr Stephen Farry. Directors from The Wright Group, Directors from Seven Towers Training, the graduates and their parents and friends all gathered to celebrate the formal milestone in the apprentice coachbuilders’ career development.
Fresh new Wrightbus talent recognised by Minister for Employment and Learning at the Wright Group Apprenticeship graduation 2012
Speaking at the event, Dr Farry said: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in ensuring that we have a better skilled, modern and dynamic workforce to drive our economy forward. In these challenging times, competition for business contracts is even tougher. It is therefore more important than ever that business invests in high quality training that helps individuals develop fulfilling careers, drives competitiveness and fuels economic growth.”
The Minister continued: “Increasing skills levels, particularly those in science, technology, engineering or maths, is a crucial ingredient in both rebuilding and rebalancing our economy. Employers such as Wrightbus who are investing in the skills of their workforce are clearly reaping the positive benefit for the company.”
All those recognised at the ceremony are nearing the end of the 4-year apprenticeship scheme (which they commenced in September 2008) and have successfully completed 14 NVQ units and 2 City & Guilds technical certificates. In addition to theoretical learning each apprentice coachbuilder has experienced “hands on” bus building for domestic and overseas customers.
Commenting on the apprentices work to date, Mrs Mandy Knowles, Wright Group HR & Welfare Director said: “Design, innovation and technology, have placed Wrightbus at the forefront of the passenger transport industry. Our latest generation of Wrightbus vehicles are in operation around the globe, these unique products stem from our people.
Every graduate here today will play a crucial role in creating future products we can take pride in – industry experience, a constant strive for new innovations and the skills obtained on our apprenticeship training scheme are the essence of our future leaders. Hard work and manufacturing competence demonstrated by those graduating today allow us to continue to manufacture and create products Northern Ireland can take pride in.”
Left to right Dean Greer (Most DRIVEN engineering apprentice), Wright Group Chairman Dr Alan Lennon, Group Welfare and Human Resources Director Mrs Mandy Knowles, Dr Stephen Farry Minister for Employment and Learning, Robert Green (apprentice Level 2 in Warehousing).
The Apprentice Training is provided through the Wright Group in partnership with Seven Towers Training and supported by the Department for Employment and Learning
22 Wright Group Engineering Apprentice’s and 15 Stores and Warehousing apprentices have been recognised for outstanding occupational progress, excellent practical and theoretical application and positive drive.
Robert Green, an apprentice Level 2 in Warehousing receiving his Level 2 in warehousing, said: “I have found the apprenticeship scheme to be the perfect opportunity for me to work in a professional environment and further my qualifications whilst being paid. There are also great prospects for me to build a fulfilling career.”
The apprentices were each presented with Record of Achievement folders containing certificates required for completion of their Apprenticeships NI.
One graduate, namely Dean Greer, was singled out for special recognition and received a new perpetual cup entitled “The most DRIVEN apprentice” for a culmination of successful academic and practical achievements.
