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The Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) Minister, Dr Stephen Farry and Lord Ballyedmond, Chairman of Norbrook Laboratories were in Newry yesterday to launch the ‘Norbrook Apprenticeship Programme’ an Apprenticeship Scheme for young people in the greater Newry area.
Since its foundation over 40 years ago, Norbrook Laboratories has grown to be one of the worlds leading pharmaceutical companies specialising in the development of revolutionary veterinary and animal health medicines. Innovation and a commitment to novel research and revolutionary processes and products are seen as the cornerstones of the company’s success.
In June this year Norbrook announced an expansion of its workforce with a commitment to employ a further 400 new staff over the next 2 years. The launch of the ‘Norbrook Laboratories Apprenticeship Programme’ in laboratory science is an important element of the company’s planned expansion programme. With approximately 22,000 young people unemployed in Northern Ireland, the launch of the Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship programme in collaboration with the Southern Regional College is seen as an important development in addressing the lack of real job opportunities for school leavers.
Norbrook is further collaborating with Southern Regional College and the University of Ulster to develop a Higher Level 5 Apprenticeship in Life and Chemical Sciences to commence in 2014. This exciting programme will offer an alternative pathway to the more traditional degree qualification for school leavers at A level. Speaking at the launch event today, Minister Farry stated that this is the first pilot of Higher Level Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland and he paid tribute to Norbrook, Southern Regional College and University of Ulster for progressing this ground breaking initiative which will provide high level jobs within the local economy.
Lord Ballyedmond, chairman of Norbrook Laboratories said “The apprenticeship programme developed in partnership with the Southern Regional College provides a significant opportunity for young people to embark on an exciting career within the pharmaceutical industry. The development of the Level 2 and Level 3 Laboratory and Science Technician Apprenticeship demonstrates our long term commitment to the young people of the greater Newry area. I am delighted that Norbrook Laboratories is in a position to make such a significant contribution to training and employment.”
The apprenticeship scheme consists of both work related experience and training in Norbrook Laboratories combined with science based qualifications undertaken through the Southern Regional College on a day release basis.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Stephen Farry said “I commend Norbrook Laboratories for creating opportunities for young people to gain employment in the pharmaceutical industry. In the current economic climate, it is important we continue to invest in the skills training of our young people. My Department is currently carrying out a review of the apprenticeship and youth training programmes and my aim is to build upon and enhance existing strong provision, ensuring that Northern Ireland has a system of apprenticeship and youth training that is the ‘gold standard. The development of apprenticeships in priority skills areas such as pharmaceutical and life sciences is vital for the future success of the Northern Ireland economy.’"
He continued by saying, “The work that the Southern Regional College is currently undertaking with Norbrook Laboratories is an example of how our Further Education colleges can work in partnership with local business and industry. The development of science related apprenticeships is important for the future of our young people and for the local economy. It is hoped that the development of apprenticeships at Level 2 and 3 will lead to piloting a higher level apprenticeship at Level 5 from September 2014. This development will enable young people to progress through the skills ladder and to obtain degree level qualifications through employment.”
The announcement of the ‘Norbrook Laboratories Apprenticeship programme' was also welcomed Mr Brian Doran, Chief Executive of Southern Regional College. He said:
"I am delighted that the partnership that exists between Norbrook Laboratories and the College has been further strengthened through the announcement of the apprenticeship scheme. I am confident this development will make a lasting contribution to the future workforce in the greater Newry area. Work based learning, is not only a great opportunity for young people to earn while learning but it also provides key employers such as Norbrook Laboratories with a throughput of
fresh energetic and committed young people."
Applications forms for the Norbrook Laboratories Apprenticeship scheme can be obtained from the Southern Regional College i3 team by emailing i3@src.ac.uk or calling 028 3025 9664.
