ApprenticeshipsNI is a Northern Ireland Government funded, work-based training programme, designed by Sector Skills Councils (SSCs)/Standard Setting Bodies (SSBs) to meet the needs of you as an employer. Business representatives from the relevant industry sector work with the SSCs/SSBs to develop the training content within each occupational area.

• ApprenticeshipsNI Frameworks
• Information on Apprentice Training
• Benefits of Employing an Apprentice
• Recruitment

An Apprentice working for an employer will earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain their Apprenticeship, while attending South West College on a dayrelease system. Training can take between two and four years to complete depending on the level, your apprentice's ability and the industry sector. The benefits are significant not just for your apprentice but also for you and they are not just in the expected areas of e.g. production. Employer incentives are available from £500 to £1,500 - the level depending on the occupational area and once the apprentice has achieved the full framework.

Apprentices

As an employee you earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain your apprenticeship. South West College will work in partnership with the employer to provide the off-the-job training through a dayrelease system.Do you meet the criteria?

• Are you employed in Northern Ireland?
• Have you attained the minimum school leaving age?
• Are you about to take up or be in paid employment?
• Will you be working a minimum of 21 hours per week?
• Do you meet all the entry requirements of your chosen occupational area?

Employers

If you're an employer...

Your business could be:

More Productive
More Effective
More Competitive

You will know apprenticeships are by no means a new concept. They have been around for many years and have proven to be a preferred and most beneficial method for employers to train their workforce. You can now train both new and existing employees who meet the entry criteria and there is no upper age limit.