Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland

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What are Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships give people the opportunity to train as they work and earn money.

They can be an excellent way to learn job-specific skills as apprentices usually work alongside more experienced members of staff and learn practical skills by example rather than from a book.

Part of the week usually entails one day away from work in a college or other learning environment, where apprentices learn about different aspects of their job and enhance the skills that they develop while at work.

Sometimes the training can take place at work rather than at a college - this is referred to as "in-house training".

Tailored to the employer

Apprenticeships are designed by employers and can be tailored to meet employers' needs.

They can improve productivity and profitability, and are an effective means of filling skills gaps in current and future workforces.

Apprenticeships are available for both new and existing staff, on two levels:

• "Level 2", equivalent to GCSE level, incorporates a National Vocational Qualification/Skills qualification. Essential Skills in maths and english, in some cases a Technical Certificate and Employee Rights and Responsibilities (ERR) is also mandatory.
  
• "Level 3", equivalent to A-levels, incorporates a National Vocational Qualification/Skills Qualification. Essential Skills in maths and english, a Technical Certificate and Employee Rights and Responsibilities (ERR) is also mandatory.

Apprenticeships typically take between one and two years to complete, depending on the level.

Click below to view the relevant sector information:

Facilities Management Apprenticeship Information

Housing Apprenticeship Information