Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship offers hands on experience, comprehensive training and a technical qualification all whilst earning a salary. Apprenticeships will give you the skills, knowledge and behaviours to succeed in your career.
Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week
Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week is an annual celebration held every February to showcase the value of apprenticeships to individuals, employers, and the wider economy. Organised in collaboration with local councils, education providers, employers, and training organisations, the week offers a wide range of events across Northern Ireland.
The 2025 programme ran from 3rd–7th February, with open days, employer talks, and apprenticeship showcases taking place across colleges and campuses — including Northern Regional College and South East Regional College. These events provided opportunities for prospective apprentices to connect with employers and gain insights into the career pathways available through both entry-level and higher-level apprenticeships.
Manufacturing NI encourages members to engage with Apprenticeship Week each year to explore how apprenticeships can:
- Help grow a skilled and industry-ready workforce
- Support business growth and succession planning
- Strengthen links between education and industry
Apprenticeships offer a valuable route to building long-term talent pipelines — tailored to the needs of the manufacturing sector.
Learn more about apprenticeships and how they can benefit your business: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/apprenticeships
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced funding of up to £600,000 for projects to increase access to apprenticeships.
The Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund will provide funding for six projects that will trial ways to remove barriers to apprenticeships for women, people with disabilities and people from disadvantaged areas.
Are you a manufacturer running an apprenticeship programme in 2025/26?
Send the details to connor@manufacturingni.org to be featured in our weekly e-zine and shared with our wider network.
APPRENTICESHIPS & YOUR COMPANY
Are you ready to re-energise your business? If your answer is ‘Yes’ then consider employing an apprentice today! An apprentice can be a new or existing employee starting a new position. Take on an apprentice to discover fresh talent and thinking to meet your business needs and grow together.
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Employing an apprentice is like recruiting any other employee.
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An apprentice is in paid employment from day one. National Minimum Wage rates for apprentices apply however this rate differs for Higher Level Apprenticeships.
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An apprenticeship usually takes between two and four years to complete depending on the type of apprenticeship.
During this time you will share your industry expertise and knowledge by providing mentoring and “on the job” training. Your apprentice will attend directed or “off the job” training (usually one day per week) to achieve the relevant industry qualifications and requirements which will be delivered by your chosen training provider.
APPRENTICESHIPS & PATHWAYS
An apprenticeship offers hands on experience, comprehensive training and a technical qualification all whilst earning a salary. Apprenticeships will give you the skills, knowledge and behaviours to succeed in your career.
In Northern Ireland, there are many apprenticeship paths within Northern Ireland. Here’s some more information to help you make decisions about apprenticeships as well as supports on offer.
