Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2026 will run from 2–6 February, celebrating the employers and apprentices driving growth, innovation and opportunity across every corner of our economy.
Launching the week, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said the initiative is “a great platform to raise the profile of our apprenticeship programmes and showcase the many opportunities available.”
For manufacturers and wider industry, Apprenticeship Week offers a chance to see how investing in talent today builds capability for tomorrow. From advanced engineering to digital, energy, and logistics, employers of every size can use the week to:
-
Learn how apprenticeship models can plug skills gaps and future-proof teams.
-
Access guidance on funding, recruitment and training partnerships.
-
Connect with schools, colleges and training providers to find new talent.
A packed calendar of workshops, open days, networking sessions and award events—both in-person and online—will run throughout the week. Details will be available at nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/apprenticeships.
Manufacturing NI encourages members to get involved, highlight their own success stories, and showcase how apprenticeships are powering progress in their sector.
To host an event or feature your business during the week, contact the Department at ApprenticeWeek@economy-ni.gov.uk.