The winners of the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards have
been announced at the annual awards ceremony held today in
Belfast.
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.
Speaking at the event, Economy Minister Dr praised the 2026
finalists and highlighted the critical role that apprenticeships
play in strengthening the local economy.
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:
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.
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.
Notes to editors:
- Information on Apprenticeships are available on NI Direct
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/apprenticeships
