Apprenticeships: delivering work-based training and qualifications to employees
Apprenticeships help employers provide work-based training and qualifications to employees aged 16 years old and over.

Are you ready to re-energise your business? If your answer is 'Yes', then consider employing an apprentice today.
Discover apprenticeships
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. Employing an apprentice is like recruiting any other employee.
- An Apprentice is in paid employment from day one. National Minimum Wage rates for apprentices apply - see National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates.
- An apprenticeship usually takes between two and four years to complete depending on the type of apprenticeship. The length of a Higher Level Apprenticeship will vary depending on the programme you chose, but will normally be a minimum of two years.
During this time you will share your industry expertise and knowledge by providing mentoring and "on the job" training. Your apprentice participates in "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 contractor.
Download the apprenticeships employer advice leaflet (PDF, 987K).
Types of apprenticeships
There are two apprenticeship programmes funded by the Department for the Economy (DfE):
- ApprenticeshipsNI - Level 2 and 3 - available to individuals 16 years old and over
- Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs) - Level 4 to Level 7
Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of occupational areas to 91香蕉黄色视频 your business needs.
Currently, there are around 120 ApprenticeshipsNI frameworks and over 70 HLA programmes to choose from.
Apprenticeship levels
Apprenticeship levels are equivalent to:
- Level 2 (5 GCSEs)
- Level 3 (2 A Levels)
- Levels 4 and 5 (Foundation degree or equivalent)
- Levels 6 and above (Bachelor or Master's degree)
Apprenticeships qualifications explained
An apprenticeship can give your employees the training and qualifications they need to get ahead and meet your business needs. Find out more about apprenticeships explained for employers.
These are work-based programmes designed around the needs of employers. It will offer recognised training and qualifications to new and existing employees in a new job role wishing to gain qualifications from Level 4 to Level 7. Find out how your employees can access .
Benefits to me and my business
Apprenticeships can help all types of businesses across a wide range of sectors to harness fresh new talent. They can help equip your workforce with the practical skills and qualifications that your organisation needs now and in the future and you will enjoy the benefits of having a loyal and motivated workforce that you have trained to meet your specific business requirements. Find out more about the benefits of apprenticeships to you and your business.
Funding for Apprenticeships
Funding for the directed (or 'off-the-job') training element is provided by the Department for the Economy (DfE):
- ApprenticeshipsNI - DfE pays the full cost of the off-the-job training. An incentive payment is available for employers when an apprentice successfully achieves all qualifications on their Level 2 and/or Level 3 ApprenticeshipsNI full framework.
- HLA Programme (Level 4 to Level 7) - DfE provides funding at a specified rate calculated with reference to mainstream Further and Higher Education funding.
Find out more about finances and funding for apprenticeships.
What local companies say about Apprenticeships
Many Northern Ireland companies have successfully employed and trained their apprentices through the Apprenticeships programme and their businesses have reaped the benefits. Find out more about company testimonies for apprenticeships.
Getting an apprentice started on an Apprenticeship
You may already have a potential apprentice in your workforce. If not and you want to employ one, it is like recruiting any other employee. The next step is to find a training contractor/provider who has been approved to deliver ApprenticeshipsNI or Higher Level Apprenticeship training. Find out more about getting an apprentice started on an apprenticeship.
Advertise apprenticeship opportunities online
JobApplyNI is a free website developed by the Department for Communities that enables employers to promote and advertise jobs and apprenticeship opportunities. Find out more about how to advertise apprenticeship opportunities on JobApplyNI.
Apprenticeships explained for employers
Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland is a demand-led, work-based programme designed around the needs of employers.

ApprenticeshipsNI is a work-based programme designed around the needs of employers that offers recognised training and qualifications to new and existing employees taking on new roles that require lots of training and development. The programme offers a wide range of apprenticeships at Level 2 and Level 3.
Opportunities are also available through Higher Level Apprenticeships for new employees or existing employees in a new job role wishing to gain qualifications from Level 4 to Level 7.
Who is eligible to take part in Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are open to new employees or existing employees taking on a new role within a Northern Ireland-based company.
Your apprentice needs to:
- be the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland
- be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice with a Northern Ireland-based company, or be an existing employee in a Northern Ireland-based company who is about to undertake a new role that requires significant training and development
- employed by national companies that have operations in Northern Ireland who are employed at least 50 per cent of their time in Northern Ireland and completing their directed training in Northern Ireland with an approved training contractor
- be permanently contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes time for 'off-the-job' training)
- meet the entry requirements of their chosen occupation; some apprenticeships require, for example, General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs)
Your Higher Level Apprentice needs to, as a minimum:
- be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, with a Northern Ireland-based company
- work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes time for 鈥榦ff-the-job鈥 training)
- have achieved all necessary entry qualifications determined by the relevant sector
- pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector
- be the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland
Third-country nationals, including European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Swiss nationals, are eligible to undertake a Higher Level Apprenticeship/Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship if they already have a right to live and work in the UK.
Legal responsibility for establishing that the apprentice has a right to live and work in the UK rests with the employer. See further guidance on .
Apprenticeship training
An apprenticeship is a work-based training programme, most of the training is 'on-the-job' with you as the employer. This is usually four days a week. The rest is provided 'off-the-job', one day a week.
All of the Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship qualifications are set out in a framework and are available at Levels 2 and 3. They have been developed in liaison with industry representatives and are therefore tailored to ensure they meet the needs of your industry. Further information is available at:
What is a training contractor/provider?
A number of training contractors including the six local further education colleges and College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) based across Northern Ireland have been contracted to deliver training in a variety of apprenticeships at Level 2 and Level 3. There are around 120 Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship frameworks to choose from.
Higher Level Apprenticeships are delivered through the six local further education colleges, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), and the three local universities. There are over 70 Higher Level Apprenticeships programmes available.
A training contractor/provider will help your apprentice achieve the qualifications and teach them the knowledge and skills to complement what they learn from you.
The training contractor/provider will meet with you and your apprentice to discuss their training needs and will then develop a training programme with them. They will be with your apprentice every step of the way throughout the apprenticeship to 91香蕉黄色视频 them and ensure that are making progress.
The following links provide a tool to search for training contractors for Level 2 and Level 3 ApprenticeshipsNI frameworks, and a list of Higher Level Apprenticeships training providers including contact details and training offered in your area.
What if your apprentice needs additional 91香蕉黄色视频?
As the apprentices are in employment when they start on the programme the Disability Discrimination Act applies making it illegal for employers to subject disabled job seekers and employees to disability discrimination. This includes failing to comply with the important duty to make reasonable adjustments and subjecting disabled people to disability-related harassment.
There are programmes available through the Department for Communities to 91香蕉黄色视频 people into and to sustain work and these can be put in place for any eligible apprentice. See
If additional 91香蕉黄色视频 is needed for your apprentice during their time on directed training, for example, if they have a disability, your training contractor/provider will organise this for you with specially trained 91香蕉黄色视频 providers. They will work closely together on behalf of your apprentice so that he or she can benefit fully from the training programme.
Organisation | Point Of Contact | Address | Contact Details |
---|---|---|---|
Disability Action | Karen Smith / Siobhan Winston | Portside Business Park 189 Airport Road Belfast BT3 9ED |
Tel. 028 9029 7874 Mob. 079 5160 1813 dss@disabilityaction.org |
Ulster Supported Employment Ltd. (USEL) | Phil McFall |
182-188 Cambrai Street |
Tel. 028 9035 6600 |
Clanrye Group Ltd | Jim O'Hare | Slieve Gullion Forest Park 89 Dromintee Road Killeavy Newry BT35 8SW |
Tel. 028 3089 8119 Mob. 078 6674 6423 jim.ohare@clanryegroup.com |
More Useful links
Apprenticeships qualifications explained for employers
An apprenticeship can give your employee the training and qualifications they need to meet your business needs.

An apprenticeship can give your employees the training and qualifications they need to meet your business needs. The qualifications for Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships are set out in a frameworks, which have been developed in liaison with industry representatives to ensure they are tailored to meet the needs of your business sector.
Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeships
The ApprenticeshipsNI programme offers three possible apprenticeship routes: either a standalone Level 2 apprenticeship framework, or a standalone Level 3 apprenticeship framework, or a combination of both levels known as a "Level 3 with a Level 2 En Route" apprenticeship.
The framework level your apprentice will undertake depends on a range of factors including their previous experience, their current level of skills, previous qualifications they have achieved, and of course the level of development they require to competently fulfil their new role in your business.
As part of their apprenticeship your apprentice will be 91香蕉黄色视频ed and trained by a training contractor or FE College who has been approved by DfE to deliver ApprenticeshipsNI training in that occupational area. A useful search tool is available to help you find a suitable training contractor:
The training contractor will assess your apprentice's level of skills and qualifications when they register them on the programme and will advise what framework level they judge is the most appropriate for your apprentice to begin at.
Your training contractor or FE college will discuss the apprentice's level of qualification and skills and suggest the level of entry to the programme.
The apprenticeship framework
An ApprenticeshipsNI framework sets out the requirements your apprentice must meet to achieve their Full Framework ApprenticeshipsNI Certificate at that level.
All frameworks include a knowledge-based qualification, a competency-based qualification, Essential Skills requirements, and any other qualification deemed mandatory by the industry for example the AM2 Test for electrotechnical industry.
A small number of frameworks have additional requirements such as previous qualifications or experience but these are clearly outlined where applicable.
Your training contractor will ensure that your apprentice is registered for the appropriate qualifications and 91香蕉黄色视频ed appropriately to complete the requirements of the framework in full.
There are around 60 Level 2 ApprenticeshipsNI frameworks and around 60 Level 3 ApprenticeshipsNI frameworks currently available.
If the apprenticeship you wish to offer is not included in the list of current frameworks linked to above, then it is unfortunately not currently available through the ApprenticeshipsNI programme. There may be further apprenticeships frameworks added in the future.
Higher Level Apprenticeships
Higher Level Apprenticeships currently offer qualifications from Level 4 up to Level 7. The majority are at Level 5 (Foundation Degree or equivalent) with some offering Level 6 (Honours Degree) and Level 7 (Masters Degree). Higher Level Apprenticeships may be available in the future at Level 8 (Post Graduate Awards).
The qualifications required will depend on the level of apprenticeship being followed. Some apprenticeships require, for example, a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSEs) in order to be eligible to undertake the apprenticeship.
There are currently over 70 Higher Level Apprenticeships programmes to choose from, including childcare, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, life sciences, hospitality and tourism, and accountancy.
For some there are minimum entry requirements, for example, A levels. Your chosen training provider can advise you and your apprentice on this.
How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship?
It usually takes up to two years to complete one level and up to four years to complete the two levels at Levels 2 and 3 depending on their complexity; however, they may be completed more quickly depending on the ability of the apprentice.
Higher Level Apprenticeships may vary depending on their complexity however they should normally take a minimum of two years to complete.
Framework provision is subject to confirmation.
More useful links
Finances and funding for Apprenticeships
An incentive payment will be available for employers whose employees successfully complete the Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeship programmes.

Funding for the directed (or "off-the-job") training element of Level 2, Level 3 apprenticeships, and Level 4 and Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeships is provided by the Department for the Economy (DfE).
An Employer Incentive Payment is also available to employers whose employees successfully complete their Level 2 and/or Level 3 Apprenticeship framework. Employers must contract apprentices to work at least 21 hours per week (to include day release for directed training) and are responsible for paying their apprentices at least the National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices.
How much does training cost?
The costs of the directed ('off-the-job') training element of the apprenticeship are funded by DfE.
Higher level Apprenticeships
The Department for the Economy (DfE) will pay training provider costs for the 'off-the-job' training, however, the employer should pay the apprentice for the contracted hours including the day that they are training.
Employer Incentive Payments
Under the ApprenticeshipsNI programme an Employer Incentive Payment is available for employers whose apprentice successfully completes their full Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeships framework. This incentive ranges from 拢558 to 拢1,674, depending on the complexity and level of the apprenticeship undertaken and the age of the apprentice on joining the programme. You will receive the payment upon the successful completion of your employee's apprenticeship framework.
What do I pay the apprentice?
Your apprentice will earn a wage agreed between yourself and them. It is important to remember that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) Regulations apply and that there are specific rates for apprentices and for different age groups.
The NMW is the minimum amount that workers in the UK are entitled to be paid. NMW rates are reviewed each year.
National Minimum Wage - hourly rates from 1 April 2025
- 拢12.21 - the National Living Wage for workers 21 years old and over
- 拢10.00 - the 18 to 20 years old rate
- 拢7.55 - the 16 to 17 years old rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18 years old
- 拢7.55 - the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 years old or 19 and over and in the first year of their apprenticeship (this rate does not apply to Higher Level Apprenticeships)
See National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates.
More useful links
Business benefits of apprenticeships
Apprenticeships can help all types of businesses across a wide range of sectors harness fresh new talent.

Apprenticeships can help all types of businesses across a wide range of sectors harness fresh new talent. They can help equip your workforce with the practical skills and qualifications that your organisation needs now and in the future and you will enjoy the benefits of having a loyal and motivated workforce that you have trained to meet your own specific business requirements.
Many employers have reported that by employing apprentices they have seen growth and improvement in productivity in their business. As well as this, they feel a real sense of contributing to the skills needs of the Northern Ireland economy.
What are the benefits of employing an apprentice?
There are many benefits to you in employing an apprentice:
- the full costs of the directed (off-the-job) training element of the apprenticeship are funded by the Department for the Economy (DfE).
- an Employer Incentive Payment is available to employers when their apprentice achieves all the targeted qualifications on their Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship framework, ranging from 拢558 to 拢1,674 (depending on the complexity and level of the apprenticeship undertaken and the age of the apprentice on joining the programme) (note: the employer incentive does not apply to Higher Level Apprenticeships)
- the DfE funded training and reduced National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices (not HLAs) means it is more cost-effective to employ an apprentice rather than skilled staff, plus you can train them right from the start to use the tried and tested methods that work for your individual business
- you benefit from increased enthusiasm, motivation, and loyalty as your apprentice has sought out this career path
- the mixture of on and off-the-job training means your apprentice benefits from experienced staff who know how your business works, while also developing new skills and the latest techniques from qualified trainers by developing your staff to their full potential you can realise increased productivity, improved competitiveness, and a competent workforce
- apprentices can help fill skills gaps by developing the specialist skills that you require for your business and can help you and your business keep abreast of new technology
Sounds good in theory but does it work in real life?
Many Northern Ireland companies have successfully trained apprentices through the ApprenticeshipsNI and Higher Level Apprenticeship programmes and their businesses have reaped the benefits. Read their stories at:
Advertise apprenticeship opportunities online
Now you appreciate the benefits apprenticeships can bring to your business, why not advertise your first apprentice vacancy online? JobApplyNI is a free website developed by the Department for Communities that enables employers to promote and advertise apprenticeship opportunities.
More useful links
Company testimonies for apprenticeships
Many Northern Ireland companies have successfully trained their apprentices through the Apprenticeships programme and their businesses have reaped the benefits.

Many Northern Ireland companies have successfully trained their apprentices through the Apprenticeships programme and their businesses have reaped the benefits. Find out more below.
Kainos
Paul Hamill, Head of HR said:
'Kainos has provided young people through the Apprenticeships programme with the opportunity to develop skills, achieve qualifications and enhance their career prospects in a stimulating IT environment.
The programme has helped us train and develop the apprentices we need for the long-term success of our business. Our apprentices add to our organisation making it more effective, competent, and competitive by addressing our skills gaps directly.'
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE)
Joe O'Mahony, NIE Managing Director, said:
Many of our apprentices have attained additional skills, over and above their normal job roles. This has led to a multi-skilled workforce enabling NIE to improve productivity and business efficiency, meet government and regulatory targets, and deliver business benefits to the company.
A number of our senior managers started their career as apprentices proving that an apprenticeship provides an excellent platform for individuals to develop their career to the maximum potential."
Fusion Heating Ltd
Bill Cherry, Manager Director said:
'As a Small, Medium Enterprise business we need to be able to exploit all market sectors, and our apprentices, working through the Apprenticeships programme, are a vital part of the team in this regard.'
Phoenix Gas
Peter Dixon, Group Chief Executive, Phoenix Energy Holdings said:
'The Apprenticeships programme has helped us train and develop the apprentices we need for the long-term success of our business. Our apprentices add to our organisation making it more effective, competent, productive, and competitive by addressing our skills gaps directly.'
PwC NI
Paul Terrington, Regional Chairman of PwC in Northern Ireland said:
'In 2012, we took the lead in piloting the Professional Services Higher Level Apprenticeships alongside our more usual graduate recruitment and the results have been remarkably successful. The standard of applicants has been high and they have excelled in a challenging and demanding work environment, so we are now accelerating our Higher Apprenticeship recruitment through our school-leaver entry programme. Apprentices earn while they learn, gain an internationally recognised professional qualification in less time than it takes to graduate from university, and have a lifetime career opportunity within the global PwC network.'
How do I go about employing an apprentice for my business?
Now you've read real examples of apprenticeships benefiting real businesses here in Northern Ireland, why not get started on recruiting your own apprentice? Find out more at the following links:
More useful links
Getting an apprentice started
How employers can go about finding apprentices, how to get them started, and find the 91香蕉黄色视频 required.

You may already have a potential apprentice in mind or in your workforce. If not there are various methods of finding one.
Finding an apprentice
If you don't have a potential apprentice but would like to employ one, it is really like recruiting any other employee. For example you can:
- advertise apprenticeship opportunities on JobApplyNI
- contact your local
- place an advertisement in the newspapers
- contact a training contractor/provider in your area who delivers training in the relevant occupational area, as they may be aware of potential employees
- look to your own staff - an existing employee is eligible for the ApprenticeshipsNI or Higher Level Apprenticeship programme if their new role requires substantial training and development
Advertise apprenticeship opportunities online
JobApplyNI is a free website developed by the Department for Communities that enables employers to promote and advertise apprenticeship opportunities.
You have your apprentice, what next?
Once you have identified your apprentice and they have agreed to take part in one of the Apprenticeship programmes, simply contact an ApprenticeshipsNI contractor or a Higher Level Apprenticeship training provider who has been approved to deliver the relevant apprenticeship training in your area.
The training contractor/provider will meet with you and your apprentice to discuss their training needs and will then develop a personal training programme. They will register your apprentice on the programme and ensure they are registered for any qualifications required as part of their framework. They will be with your apprentice every step of the way throughout the apprenticeship to 91香蕉黄色视频 them and ensure they are making progress.
A useful search facility is available on the nidirect website to find a suitable training contractor in your local area to deliver Level 2 and Level 3 ApprenticeshipsNI training:
A list of training providers for Higher Level Apprenticeships is also available on the nidirect website:
Is additional 91香蕉黄色视频 needed?
If additional 91香蕉黄色视频 is needed for your apprentice during their time on the directed training element of the programme. As the apprentices are in employment when they start on the programme the Disability Discrimination Act applies making it illegal for employers to subject disabled job-seekers and employees to disability discrimination. This includes failing to comply with the important duty to make reasonable adjustments and subjecting disabled people to disability-related harassment.
There are programmes available through the Department for Communities to 91香蕉黄色视频 people into and to sustain work and these can be put in place for any eligible apprentice. See .
For example, if they have a disability, your training contractor will organise this for you with one of the specially trained Disability Support Services (DSS) contractors approved by DfE. A list of the current DSS contractors is available on the following page:
Other options
If Apprenticeships are not suitable for your business, why not check out some other employment and training programmes, such as:
- Skills for Life and Work: providing work experience for young people
- How to access a traineeship for employers
More useful links
Taking on and developing an apprentice - Mivan Ltd
How the Antrim-based joinery and fit-out business recruits and develops apprentices to help grow their business.
Mivan is an internationally renowned bespoke joinery and interior fit-out company. The business, based in Antrim, offers complete turnkey fit-out service to many sectors.
Karen Anderson, HR Manager at Mivan, explains how the company employs around ten new apprentices each year. Karen explains the steps they take to recruit apprentices, how they help to develop apprentices, and the benefits apprentices bring to the success of their business.
Taking on apprentices
鈥淥ur apprentice programme is vital to the continuing expansion and success of the business. It enables Mivan to grow talent and develop the skilled and qualified workforce we need. We firmly believe that apprentices are key to the future of Mivan.鈥
鈥淥ur apprenticeship recruitment campaigns are very different from our regular recruitment activity. Apprentice recruitment runs from January to April each year.鈥
鈥淲e promote our apprentice programme with visits to local schools to raise awareness amongst pupils and teachers. We advertise in the local press and promote across social media. We also run an Apprentice Open Day at our facilities each March.鈥
鈥淓very applicant is invited to attend an interview. Then the shortlisted candidates are invited to complete a set of tasks in a practical workshop. Following this, we will offer around ten successful candidates an apprentice role.鈥
Benefits of apprentices to our business
鈥淭he main advantage to employing apprentices is Mivan continues to grow its workforce of highly skilled craftspeople. It can be challenging to find people with the skills that we require. Our apprentice programme enables us to develop a workforce with the bespoke skills and industry-recognised qualifications we need.鈥
鈥淥ur apprentice programme also provides a solid foundation for those taking part to develop their skills and expand into other career paths within the business such as project management, design, estimating, and factory management.鈥
Supporting and developing our apprentices
鈥淔or many people, starting an apprenticeship is their first step into the workplace after school. To help with this transition, Mivan provides apprentices with a dedicated mentor, structured onboarding and development programmes, extensive training, and regular meetings and check-ins. Apprentices complete several projects, practical assessments, and progress reviews throughout their apprenticeship journey.鈥
鈥淥nce an apprentice is ready to move from the apprentice workshop to the main factory floor, the individual is paired with a mentor who continues to provide one-to-one training, development, and 91香蕉黄色视频 throughout their apprenticeship and beyond.鈥
Measuring success
鈥淢ivan apprentices undergo regular progress reviews to assess performance, identify training priorities, and provide the necessary 91香蕉黄色视频.鈥
鈥淥ur apprentices have won SkillsBuild NI inter-campus and regional awards. One of our apprentices was also selected to compete in the Skill Build UK National Final for joinery in November 2022.鈥
鈥淭he fact that many of our apprentices have progressed to management positions within the company is a testament to the success of Mivan鈥檚 apprentice programme.鈥
Looking to the future
鈥淲e are continually seeking new methods of improving and enhancing our apprenticeship scheme to keep up to date with developments within the industry. We also assess the progress of the current apprentices against previous years to ensure continual improvement.鈥
鈥淢ivan鈥檚 apprenticeship programme has been running for over 20 years with a dedicated mentor and dedicated workshop. We will continue to develop our apprentice facilities and training programme as our business needs adapt to changes and opportunities in our industry.鈥