Apprenticeship Programmes
In NI apprenticeships are described as a job offering a minimum of 21 contracted hours. This is combined with a structured period of on and off-the-job training which will lead to a qualification which is both industry approved and nationally recognised. In NI there are currently 170 approved apprenticeship frameworks (2017).
Apprenticeships are available at Level 2 (GCSE or equivalent) or more advanced Level 3 (A Level or equivalent). They usually take between 2 and 4 years to complete; the time taken will depend on the apprenticeship offered.
For more information check out the following websites:
www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/apprenticeships
http://www.citb.co.uk/qualifications-standards/apprentice-frameworks/apprenticeshipa-northern-ireland/
