Workers on plumbing courses are among the students to be recognised at a Belfast City Hall ceremony later this month.
The Plumbing and Mechanical Apprentice of the Year Awards will be hosted by BBC personality Karen Patterson on June 28th, with the awards to be handed out by the Lord Mayor.
Derek Poole, an industry insider, pointed out that it has been a difficult period for the country's construction sector and the commitment many young people have put in is helping to boost industrial growth.
"We feel these awards are fitting recognition of the sheer determination of these young people and their employers in continuing to progress their apprenticeships in the most challenging of times," he remarked.
In total, 150 apprentices and their employers will be invited to the black-tie gala dinner.
One reason that youngsters may choose to take plumbing qualifications is to become their own boss, with head of commercial business insurance at Lloyds TSB Insurance Stuart Curtis recently noting that the recession has prompted many people to think about this notion.
Want to know more about our plumbing courses