Apprenticeships: delivering work-based training and qualifications to employees

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 £558 to £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:

• Company testimonies for apprenticeships

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.

• JobApplyNI: advertise apprenticeship opportunities online.

More useful links

• Download the apprenticeships employer advice leaflet (PDF, 987K)
• Department for the Economy response to Apprentice Levy consultation