Top lawman cued up for gala apprentices dinner
A gala dinner to recognise and reward Ayrshire’s top apprentices is set to be a sellout.
Organisers, the Incorporated Trades of Irvine, will stage their extended event at Irvine’s new £ 20m Portal centre.
Businesses from all over Ayrshire, as well as the three local authorities, have signed up for a glittering presentation night in the centre’s grand hall next month.
The main event will be the announcement of the 2017 Apprentice of the Year, who will receive a cash prize of £ 1,000.
His or her employer will also pick up a trophy which is awarded annually.
Controversial lawman Donald Findlay QC will be the main speaker.
Rarely out of the headlines, he is both loved and loathed for his highprofile pronouncements in legal and football circles.
The night’s Master of ceremonies, Willie Young, has similar connections, having been a solicitor and a top grade football referee.
Other entertainment will be provided by aspiring young musicians – in the form of North Ayrshire Schools Pipe Band, North Ayrshire Senior Concert Band and an ensemble of orchestras made up of talented local pupils. A magician will also add to the fun. In addition there is a Silent Auction with some high value items on offer, including a return flight for two to JFK Airport, New York, donated by Sir Richard Branson; a 4- ball golf match donated by Royal Troon; and a case of wine donated by Sir David Murray.
The Irvine Trades organisation, as the only one of its kind in Ayrshire, has expanded the catchment area to take in the whole of the old county in order to give the revised awards scheme greater impetus.
Co- ordinating the awards is former Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe who is Deacon of the Weavers trade in Irvine.
Said Brian: “I decided to do this because I can never forget the lessons I learned as a young apprentice in the shipyards.
“Training young people in work skills, to me, is the key to setting them up with real jobs and real careers as well as giving the local economy a lift.”
Companies interested in the last of the tables should get in touch with Brian directly.
The dinner takes place on Friday, September 22, with a table of 10 costing £ 1,000.
Included are canapes and sparkling wine on entrance, four- course dinner and all wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks.
Brian can be contacted on 07774646600 or donohoebrianh@ gmail. com