'Today is a celebration of excellence' - Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald praises outstanding apprentices helping build a stronger economy
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has praised apprentices for the critical role they play in strengthening the local economy, at the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards ceremony.
Engineer Paula Bamford won Apprentice of the Year, Higher Level Apprentice of the Year was chef Grace Dugan and Public Sector Apprentice of the Year went to horticulturist Jacob Meekin.
The Minister said: “Apprenticeships are central to building the skilled workforce our economy needs to grow, to innovate and to stay competitive on a global stage.
“Today is a celebration of excellence.
"It is about recognising the individuals and organisations who are not only transforming their own futures, but also shaping the future of our economy.
"Through their hard work, creativity and commitment, they leave a lasting legacy of skills, productivity and economic benefit.”
The 2026 winners are:
Apprentice of the Year – Paula Bamford, employed at Caterpillar, studying at Northern Regional College.
Higher Level Apprentice of the Year – Grace Dugan, employed at Culloden Estate and Spa, studying at South Eastern Regional College.
Public Sector Apprentice of the Year – Jacob Meekin, employed at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, studying at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Mentor of the Year – Brian Welsh, Harland and Wolff (part of Navantia UK), nominated by Northern Regional College.
Small to Medium Enterprise of the Year with Training Provider – Sleepy Hollow Group in partnership with Belfast Met.
Large Employer of the Year with Training Provider – CB Bell in partnership with Impact Training.
Public Sector Employer of the Year with Training Provider – PSNI in partnership with Belfast Met.
There are now more than 16,000 apprentices in Department for the Economy Apprenticeships programmes.
Apprenticeships are available across the economy, with almost 200 pathways, from the traditional trade and craft apprenticeships in joinery and plumbing, to the newer high-tech growth industry apprenticeships such as cybersecurity, food innovation and FinTech management.