How Do Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland Work?

Northern Ireland offers many opportunities for apprenticeships in various fields, including business, health, retail, and hospitality.

Engineering and technology apprenticeships are particularly prevalent.

Any school graduate in Northern Ireland should consider an apprenticeship.

While working for a company, receiving pay, and acquiring a living salary, you’ll earn a recognized qualification and gain a ton of experience.

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What Is an Apprenticeship?

A formal apprenticeship must be recognized by the government and be on the list of frameworks that have been approved.

A formal apprenticeship is a job that lets you get certified in your field while you work.

It has three main parts:

• On-the-job training is when an apprentice learns a skill while working for an employer. Typically, this accounts for 80% of an apprenticeship.
• An authorized provider of apprenticeship training provides off-the-job training. Typically, 20% of an apprenticeship is made up of this.
• Essential English and math abilities are only required if the apprentice has not attained the agreed-upon level of difficulty in English and math as specified by the individual apprenticeship framework.

Who Can Be an Apprentice in Northern Ireland?

You must be at least 16 years old and available for a minimum of 21 hours a week of work to enroll in an apprenticeship in Northern Ireland (including study time).

If you meet these requirements and are currently employed, you can ask your employer if you can do an apprenticeship with them.

If not, you must apply for an apprenticeship like you would for any other job.

In Northern Ireland, there are several limitations on apprenticeships for individuals 25 years of age or older.

If this describes you, learn more about the industries that offer apprenticeships you can apply for and the terms and conditions that could be involved.

How Long Should an Apprenticeship Last?

In Northern Ireland, apprentices must sign contracts and be paid for at least 21 hours per week (including any off-the-job training they get).

Typically, an apprenticeship lasts two to four years. Employers should sign contracts with apprentices for the shortest time suggested for that type of apprenticeship.

What Apprenticeships Are Available in Northern Ireland?

In Northern Ireland, there are three degrees of apprenticeship.

As follows:

• Level 2 apprenticeships
• Level 3 apprenticeships
• Higher-level apprenticeship

For people above the age of 25, there are also Level 2 and Level 3 frameworks.

There are approximately 45 higher-level apprenticeships and about 170 Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships.

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What Wages Can Apprentices in NI Earn?

As an apprentice, you will be paid for the hours you put in at work and the time you spend participating in required training, typically a day release at a college one day a week.

The fact that apprenticeships are entry-level positions and that the employer also pays for the period spent studying is often reflected in salary levels.

Depending on the company and industry, an apprentice might expect a range of average salaries.

In Northern Ireland, an apprentice qualifies for the apprentice minimum wage. Everyone in their first year of an apprenticeship is subject to this charge.

However, apprentices over 19 who have finished their first year should be paid at least the age-appropriate minimum wage. Of course, some employers pay far more than this.

What Could I Do as an Apprentice?

Food production, engineering, and electro technical apprenticeships were the most common in the past.

Apprenticeships are also available in large fields: manufacturing, business and management, health and social care, retail, hospitality and leisure, and retail.

What Job Prospects Will I Have After Completing an Apprenticeship in NI?

Apprenticeships are permanent positions in Northern Ireland, so even after you complete your apprenticeship, you will still have a job.

By this time, you should have a recognized credential, practical experience, and industry connections, putting you in a solid position to apply for additional higher-level jobs with that company or other companies in the same sector.

Additionally, you could go to the next level of an apprenticeship with the same employer or a different one.

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Conclusion

You can apply when you notice an apprenticeship you believe is a good fit because they are continually being advertised.

If you are still a student, you can choose when you are available for work.