Frontier Worker permit - after you have applied

Frontier Worker permit

In this guide:

Frontier Worker permit - who can apply

Who can apply for a Frontier Worker permit.
You can only apply for a Frontier Worker permit if you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and you:

live outside the UK

meet the requirements for working in the UK

Living outside the UK

You must live ‘primarily’ outside of the UK. How you meet this requirement depends on how much time you’ve spent here since 1 January 2020.

You’ll be eligible if you’ve spent less than 180 days in total in the UK over the course of any 12-month period.

If you’ve spent 180 days or more in the UK within 12 months

You’ll still be eligible if, in that 12-month period, you returned to the country you live in at least either:

once every 6 months

twice in the 12-month period

You’ll still be able to apply if there are exceptional circumstances meaning you could not travel to your country of residence in this period, such as an illness or accident.

Working in the UK

You must have:

started working in the UK while living elsewhere on or before 31 December 2020, either as an employed or self-employed person

do eligible work

usually have worked in the UK (as an employed or self-employed person) at least once every 12 months since you started working here

Eligible work

You’ll be eligible as long as your work in the UK is ‘genuine and effective’. This means it must be more than small, one-off tasks, such as:

an interview

taking part in a one-off competition or audition

signing a contract

If you’re not sure if your work is eligible, the Home Office has guidance on what counts as genuine and effective work.

If you’ve been unable to work or unemployed in the UK during a 12-month period

You might still be eligible if you’ve been unemployed or not worked during this time because you were:

temporarily unable to work because of an illness or accident

temporarily unable to work because you were pregnant or had given birth

unable to come to the UK and work because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

voluntarily unemployed and doing vocational training related to your last occupation

involuntarily unemployed, and either looking for work in the UK or doing vocational training

This is known as having ‘retained worker’ or ‘retained self-employed person’ status.

If you became involuntarily unemployed and are looking for work, you’ll keep your status for:

6 months if you worked in the UK for less than a year before becoming unemployed

as long as you continue to look for work, if you worked in the UK for a year or more before becoming unemployed

You’ll need to be registered as a jobseeker with an employment office (such as Jobcentre Plus) and provide evidence that you’re looking for work in the UK.
Actions

Frontier worker permit for EU citizens

Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Also on this site

UK points-based immigration system: employer information

Content category

Employment and skills
Source URL
/content/frontier-worker-permit-who-can-apply

Links
Frontier Worker permit - how to apply

How to apply for the Frontier Worker permit.
You must apply online.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need a valid passport or national identity card.

You’ll be told which documents you need to provide when you apply. Some depend on whether you’re employed or self-employed, for example:

an employment contract, or contracts to work in the UK

payslips or copies of invoices for work carried out in the UK

If you have ‘retained’ status, you’ll be asked for evidence for which criteria you meet. For example, a letter from a doctor if you have an illness, or copies of recent job applications if you’re unemployed and seeking work.

The Home Office has more examples of the types of evidence you will be asked for.

How you’ll prove your identity

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on what identity document you use and whether you can use the UK Immigration: ID check app.

You’ll either:

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration account)

have your photograph and fingerprints taken at a visa application centre (if you’re applying from outside the UK and cannot use the smartphone app)

have your photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point (if you’re applying from inside the UK and cannot use the smartphone app)

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply from outside the UK

Apply online for your Frontier Worker permit.

Apply now

Apply from inside the UK

Apply online for your Frontier Worker permit.

Apply now
Actions

Apply for a frontier Worker permit from outside the UK

Apply for a frontier Worker permit from inside the UK

Frontier worker permit for EU citizens

Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Also on this site

UK points-based immigration system: employer information

Content category

Employment and skills
Source URL
/content/frontier-worker-permit-how-apply

Links
Frontier Worker permit - after you have applied

What happens after you have applied for a Frontier Worker permit.
If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application by following the same process as cancelling a visa or citizenship application.

If your application is successful

You’ll be sent a decision notice saying your application has been approved.

If you applied using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app, you’ll be issued a digital version of your permit.

If you do not use the smartphone app to apply, you’ll either be sent:

a physical version of the permit (if you applied inside the UK)

an email explaining how you can come to the UK and collect your permit (if you applied outside the UK)

Your permit will last for 5 years, or 2 years if you apply with ‘retained’ status.

When you’re working in the UK

You’ll usually have to pay tax on your UK income.

Check if you’ll need to pay social security contributions in the UK or in the country you live in.

You can change jobs or move from being employed to self-employed in the UK without needing to tell the Home Office.

You need to tell the Home Office if you stop working in the UK and do not meet one of the retained status criteria.

Reporting a problem with your physical permit

Your permit should arrive within 10 days of receiving the decision notice about your application. You should get an email with information about your permit being sent to you.

If your permit does not arrive, you should first contact the delivery service.

If you cannot resolve the issue with the delivery service, and it has been more than 10 days since you received your decision notice, you should contact the Home Office.

You’ll also need to tell the Home Office if:

you did not get an email from UKVI with your permit delivery information

your permit has a mistake on it (for example your name, date of birth, or gender is wrong)

your permit gets lost, stolen or damaged

You can report your problem by phone. You’ll need:

your full name, date of birth and nationality

your Home Office reference number (this is in the email you got with your application decision)

an email address or UK postal address

You can get someone to report for you, for example a legal representative or employer. The phone number is different if someone is reporting on your behalf.

If you’re inside the UK

Telephone: 0300 123 7379 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges

If you’re outside the UK

Telephone: +44 (0)203 080 0010 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges

If you’re from an organisation helping others to apply

Telephone: 0300 790 0566 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges

If your application is unsuccessful

You’ll get a decision notice explaining why it was refused. It will explain if you have the right to either an:

administrative review

immigration decision appeal
Actions

Frontier worker permit for EU citizens

Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Also on this site

UK points-based immigration system: employer information

Content category

Employment and skills
Source URL
/content/frontier-worker-permit-after-you-have-applied

Links
Renewing your Frontier Worker permit

How you can renew your Frontier Worker permit.

When you renew your permit, you’ll need to show that you continued to meet the eligibility requirements over the period of time since you last applied.

If you’re not employed or self-employed at the point you apply to renew, or you’re temporarily unable to work, you’ll still be able to apply for a 2-year permit as someone with ‘retained’ status (as long as you meet the requirements).

Apply to renew your permit.

Actions

Frontier worker permit for EU citizens

Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Also on this site

UK points-based immigration system: employer information

Content category

Employment and skills

Source URL
/content/renewing-your-frontier-worker-permit

Links

Read more about Frontier Worker permit - after you have applied

Frontier Worker permit - how to apply

Frontier Worker permit

In this guide:

Frontier Worker permit - who can apply

Who can apply for a Frontier Worker permit.
You can only apply for a Frontier Worker permit if you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and you:

live outside the UK

meet the requirements for working in the UK

Living outside the UK

You must live ‘primarily’ outside of the UK. How you meet this requirement depends on how much time you’ve spent here since 1 January 2020.

You’ll be eligible if you’ve spent less than 180 days in total in the UK over the course of any 12-month period.

If you’ve spent 180 days or more in the UK within 12 months

You’ll still be eligible if, in that 12-month period, you returned to the country you live in at least either:

once every 6 months

twice in the 12-month period

You’ll still be able to apply if there are exceptional circumstances meaning you could not travel to your country of residence in this period, such as an illness or accident.

Working in the UK

You must have:

started working in the UK while living elsewhere on or before 31 December 2020, either as an employed or self-employed person

do eligible work

usually have worked in the UK (as an employed or self-employed person) at least once every 12 months since you started working here

Eligible work

You’ll be eligible as long as your work in the UK is ‘genuine and effective’. This means it must be more than small, one-off tasks, such as:

an interview

taking part in a one-off competition or audition

signing a contract

If you’re not sure if your work is eligible, the Home Office has guidance on what counts as genuine and effective work.

If you’ve been unable to work or unemployed in the UK during a 12-month period

You might still be eligible if you’ve been unemployed or not worked during this time because you were:

temporarily unable to work because of an illness or accident

temporarily unable to work because you were pregnant or had given birth

unable to come to the UK and work because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

voluntarily unemployed and doing vocational training related to your last occupation

involuntarily unemployed, and either looking for work in the UK or doing vocational training

This is known as having ‘retained worker’ or ‘retained self-employed person’ status.

If you became involuntarily unemployed and are looking for work, you’ll keep your status for:

6 months if you worked in the UK for less than a year before becoming unemployed

as long as you continue to look for work, if you worked in the UK for a year or more before becoming unemployed

You’ll need to be registered as a jobseeker with an employment office (such as Jobcentre Plus) and provide evidence that you’re looking for work in the UK.
Actions

Frontier worker permit for EU citizens

Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Also on this site

UK points-based immigration system: employer information

Content category

Employment and skills
Source URL
/content/frontier-worker-permit-who-can-apply

Links
Frontier Worker permit - how to apply

How to apply for the Frontier Worker permit.
You must apply online.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need a valid passport or national identity card.

You’ll be told which documents you need to provide when you apply. Some depend on whether you’re employed or self-employed, for example:

an employment contract, or contracts to work in the UK

payslips or copies of invoices for work carried out in the UK

If you have ‘retained’ status, you’ll be asked for evidence for which criteria you meet. For example, a letter from a doctor if you have an illness, or copies of recent job applications if you’re unemployed and seeking work.

The Home Office has more examples of the types of evidence you will be asked for.

How you’ll prove your identity

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on what identity document you use and whether you can use the UK Immigration: ID check app.

You’ll either:

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration account)

have your photograph and fingerprints taken at a visa application centre (if you’re applying from outside the UK and cannot use the smartphone app)

have your photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point (if you’re applying from inside the UK and cannot use the smartphone app)

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply from outside the UK

Apply online for your Frontier Worker permit.

Apply now

Apply from inside the UK

Apply online for your Frontier Worker permit.

Apply now
Actions

Apply for a frontier Worker permit from outside the UK

Apply for a frontier Worker permit from inside the UK

Frontier worker permit for EU citizens

Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Also on this site

UK points-based immigration system: employer information

Content category

Employment and skills
Source URL
/content/frontier-worker-permit-how-apply

Links
Frontier Worker permit - after you have applied

What happens after you have applied for a Frontier Worker permit.
If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application by following the same process as cancelling a visa or citizenship application.

If your application is successful

You’ll be sent a decision notice saying your application has been approved.

If you applied using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app, you’ll be issued a digital version of your permit.

If you do not use the smartphone app to apply, you’ll either be sent:

a physical version of the permit (if you applied inside the UK)

an email explaining how you can come to the UK and collect your permit (if you applied outside the UK)

Your permit will last for 5 years, or 2 years if you apply with ‘retained’ status.

When you’re working in the UK

You’ll usually have to pay tax on your UK income.

Check if you’ll need to pay social security contributions in the UK or in the country you live in.

You can change jobs or move from being employed to self-employed in the UK without needing to tell the Home Office.

You need to tell the Home Office if you stop working in the UK and do not meet one of the retained status criteria.

Reporting a problem with your physical permit

Your permit should arrive within 10 days of receiving the decision notice about your application. You should get an email with information about your permit being sent to you.

If your permit does not arrive, you should first contact the delivery service.

If you cannot resolve the issue with the delivery service, and it has been more than 10 days since you received your decision notice, you should contact the Home Office.

You’ll also need to tell the Home Office if:

you did not get an email from UKVI with your permit delivery information

your permit has a mistake on it (for example your name, date of birth, or gender is wrong)

your permit gets lost, stolen or damaged

You can report your problem by phone. You’ll need:

your full name, date of birth and nationality

your Home Office reference number (this is in the email you got with your application decision)

an email address or UK postal address

You can get someone to report for you, for example a legal representative or employer. The phone number is different if someone is reporting on your behalf.

If you’re inside the UK

Telephone: 0300 123 7379 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges

If you’re outside the UK

Telephone: +44 (0)203 080 0010 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges

If you’re from an organisation helping others to apply

Telephone: 0300 790 0566 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges

If your application is unsuccessful

You’ll get a decision notice explaining why it was refused. It will explain if you have the right to either an:

administrative review

immigration decision appeal
Actions

Frontier worker permit for EU citizens

Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Also on this site

UK points-based immigration system: employer information

Content category

Employment and skills
Source URL
/content/frontier-worker-permit-after-you-have-applied

Links
Renewing your Frontier Worker permit

How you can renew your Frontier Worker permit.

When you renew your permit, you’ll need to show that you continued to meet the eligibility requirements over the period of time since you last applied.

If you’re not employed or self-employed at the point you apply to renew, or you’re temporarily unable to work, you’ll still be able to apply for a 2-year permit as someone with ‘retained’ status (as long as you meet the requirements).

Apply to renew your permit.

Actions

Frontier worker permit for EU citizens

Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Also on this site

UK points-based immigration system: employer information

Content category

Employment and skills

Source URL
/content/renewing-your-frontier-worker-permit

Links

Read more about Frontier Worker permit - how to apply

Frontier Worker permit - who can apply

Frontier Worker permit

In this guide:

Frontier Worker permit - who can apply

Who can apply for a Frontier Worker permit.
You can only apply for a Frontier Worker permit if you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and you:

live outside the UK

meet the requirements for working in the UK

Living outside the UK

You must live ‘primarily’ outside of the UK. How you meet this requirement depends on how much time you’ve spent here since 1 January 2020.

You’ll be eligible if you’ve spent less than 180 days in total in the UK over the course of any 12-month period.

If you’ve spent 180 days or more in the UK within 12 months

You’ll still be eligible if, in that 12-month period, you returned to the country you live in at least either:

once every 6 months

twice in the 12-month period

You’ll still be able to apply if there are exceptional circumstances meaning you could not travel to your country of residence in this period, such as an illness or accident.

Working in the UK

You must have:

started working in the UK while living elsewhere on or before 31 December 2020, either as an employed or self-employed person

do eligible work

usually have worked in the UK (as an employed or self-employed person) at least once every 12 months since you started working here

Eligible work

You’ll be eligible as long as your work in the UK is ‘genuine and effective’. This means it must be more than small, one-off tasks, such as:

an interview

taking part in a one-off competition or audition

signing a contract

If you’re not sure if your work is eligible, the Home Office has guidance on what counts as genuine and effective work.

If you’ve been unable to work or unemployed in the UK during a 12-month period

You might still be eligible if you’ve been unemployed or not worked during this time because you were:

temporarily unable to work because of an illness or accident

temporarily unable to work because you were pregnant or had given birth

unable to come to the UK and work because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

voluntarily unemployed and doing vocational training related to your last occupation

involuntarily unemployed, and either looking for work in the UK or doing vocational training

This is known as having ‘retained worker’ or ‘retained self-employed person’ status.

If you became involuntarily unemployed and are looking for work, you’ll keep your status for:

6 months if you worked in the UK for less than a year before becoming unemployed

as long as you continue to look for work, if you worked in the UK for a year or more before becoming unemployed

You’ll need to be registered as a jobseeker with an employment office (such as Jobcentre Plus) and provide evidence that you’re looking for work in the UK.
Actions

Frontier worker permit for EU citizens

Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Also on this site

UK points-based immigration system: employer information

Content category

Employment and skills
Source URL
/content/frontier-worker-permit-who-can-apply

Links
Frontier Worker permit - how to apply

How to apply for the Frontier Worker permit.
You must apply online.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need a valid passport or national identity card.

You’ll be told which documents you need to provide when you apply. Some depend on whether you’re employed or self-employed, for example:

an employment contract, or contracts to work in the UK

payslips or copies of invoices for work carried out in the UK

If you have ‘retained’ status, you’ll be asked for evidence for which criteria you meet. For example, a letter from a doctor if you have an illness, or copies of recent job applications if you’re unemployed and seeking work.

The Home Office has more examples of the types of evidence you will be asked for.

How you’ll prove your identity

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on what identity document you use and whether you can use the UK Immigration: ID check app.

You’ll either:

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration account)

have your photograph and fingerprints taken at a visa application centre (if you’re applying from outside the UK and cannot use the smartphone app)

have your photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point (if you’re applying from inside the UK and cannot use the smartphone app)

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply from outside the UK

Apply online for your Frontier Worker permit.

Apply now

Apply from inside the UK

Apply online for your Frontier Worker permit.

Apply now
Actions

Apply for a frontier Worker permit from outside the UK

Apply for a frontier Worker permit from inside the UK

Frontier worker permit for EU citizens

Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Also on this site

UK points-based immigration system: employer information

Content category

Employment and skills
Source URL
/content/frontier-worker-permit-how-apply

Links
Frontier Worker permit - after you have applied

What happens after you have applied for a Frontier Worker permit.
If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application by following the same process as cancelling a visa or citizenship application.

If your application is successful

You’ll be sent a decision notice saying your application has been approved.

If you applied using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app, you’ll be issued a digital version of your permit.

If you do not use the smartphone app to apply, you’ll either be sent:

a physical version of the permit (if you applied inside the UK)

an email explaining how you can come to the UK and collect your permit (if you applied outside the UK)

Your permit will last for 5 years, or 2 years if you apply with ‘retained’ status.

When you’re working in the UK

You’ll usually have to pay tax on your UK income.

Check if you’ll need to pay social security contributions in the UK or in the country you live in.

You can change jobs or move from being employed to self-employed in the UK without needing to tell the Home Office.

You need to tell the Home Office if you stop working in the UK and do not meet one of the retained status criteria.

Reporting a problem with your physical permit

Your permit should arrive within 10 days of receiving the decision notice about your application. You should get an email with information about your permit being sent to you.

If your permit does not arrive, you should first contact the delivery service.

If you cannot resolve the issue with the delivery service, and it has been more than 10 days since you received your decision notice, you should contact the Home Office.

You’ll also need to tell the Home Office if:

you did not get an email from UKVI with your permit delivery information

your permit has a mistake on it (for example your name, date of birth, or gender is wrong)

your permit gets lost, stolen or damaged

You can report your problem by phone. You’ll need:

your full name, date of birth and nationality

your Home Office reference number (this is in the email you got with your application decision)

an email address or UK postal address

You can get someone to report for you, for example a legal representative or employer. The phone number is different if someone is reporting on your behalf.

If you’re inside the UK

Telephone: 0300 123 7379 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges

If you’re outside the UK

Telephone: +44 (0)203 080 0010 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges

If you’re from an organisation helping others to apply

Telephone: 0300 790 0566 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges

If your application is unsuccessful

You’ll get a decision notice explaining why it was refused. It will explain if you have the right to either an:

administrative review

immigration decision appeal
Actions

Frontier worker permit for EU citizens

Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Also on this site

UK points-based immigration system: employer information

Content category

Employment and skills
Source URL
/content/frontier-worker-permit-after-you-have-applied

Links
Renewing your Frontier Worker permit

How you can renew your Frontier Worker permit.

When you renew your permit, you’ll need to show that you continued to meet the eligibility requirements over the period of time since you last applied.

If you’re not employed or self-employed at the point you apply to renew, or you’re temporarily unable to work, you’ll still be able to apply for a 2-year permit as someone with ‘retained’ status (as long as you meet the requirements).

Apply to renew your permit.

Actions

Frontier worker permit for EU citizens

Understanding your right to work in the UK: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Also on this site

UK points-based immigration system: employer information

Content category

Employment and skills

Source URL
/content/renewing-your-frontier-worker-permit

Links

Read more about Frontier Worker permit - who can apply

Introduction

Read more about Frontier Worker permit

Apprenticeships: delivering work-based training and qualifications to employees

In this guide:

Apprenticeships explained for employers

Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland is a demand-led, work-based programme designed around the needs of employers.

Apprenticeships - time to re-energise your business | Provided by the Department for the Economy

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 ‘off-the-job’ 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 working in Northern Ireland.

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 support 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 support?

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 support people into and to sustain work and these can be put in place for any eligible apprentice. See work schemes and programmes for people with disabilities

If additional support 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 support 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 Belfast BT13 3JH	Tel. 028 9035 6600 Fax. 028 9035 6611 Mob. 077 3934 8817 pmcfall@usel.co.uk
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

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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 supported 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:

Search for Level 2 and Level 3 ApprenticeshipsNI training contractors

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.

Level 2 apprenticeship frameworks

Level 3 apprenticeship frameworks

Apprenticeships explained for employers

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 supported 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

Download the apprenticeships employer advice leaflet (PDF, 1MB)

Advertise your apprenticeship opportunities on JobApplyNI

Apprenticeships Levy FAQs
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Apprenticeships guidance for apprentices (nidirect website)

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Apprenticeships: delivering work-based training and qualifications to employees

Apprenticeships explained for employers

Finances and funding for Apprenticeships

Business benefits of apprenticeships

Company testimonies for apprenticeships

Getting an apprentice started

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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 £558 to £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 2024

£11.44 - the National Living Wage for workers 21 years old and over

£8.60 - the 18 to 20 years old rate

£6.40 - the 16 to 17 years old rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18 years old

£6.40 - 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

Download the apprenticeships employer advice leaflet (PDF, 1MB)

Department for the Economy response to Apprentice Levy consultation

Advertise your apprenticeship opportunities on JobApplyNI

Higher Level Apprenticeships Training Suppliers on the nidirect website

Find your local Jobs and Benefits Office on the nidirect website

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Apprenticeships: delivering work-based training and qualifications to employees

Apprenticeships explained for employers

Apprenticeships qualifications explained for employers

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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 £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, 1MB)

Department for the Economy response to Apprentice Levy consultation
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Department for the Economy

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Apprenticeships Email Contact

Apprenticeships Higher Level Contact

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Apprenticeships guidance for apprentices (nidirect website)

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Apprenticeships: delivering work-based training and qualifications to employees

Apprenticeships explained for employers

Apprenticeships qualifications explained for employers

Finances and funding for Apprenticeships

Company testimonies for apprenticeships

Getting an apprentice started

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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:

Getting an apprentice started

JobApplyNI: advertise apprenticeship opportunities online

More useful links

Download the apprenticeships employer advice leaflet (PDF, 1MB)
Developed with

Department for the Economy

Help

Apprenticeships Email Contact

Apprenticeships Higher Level Contact

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Apprenticeships guidance for apprentices (nidirect website)

Also on this site

Apprenticeships: delivering work-based training and qualifications to employees

Apprenticeships explained for employers

Apprenticeships qualifications explained for employers

Finances and funding for Apprenticeships

Business benefits of apprenticeships

Getting an apprentice started

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Getting an apprentice started

How employers can go about finding apprentices, how to get them started, and find the support 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 Jobs and Benefits Office

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.

Advertise apprenticeship opportunities on JobApplyNI.

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 support 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:

Search for Level 2 and Level 3 ApprenticeshipsNI training contractors

A list of training providers for Higher Level Apprenticeships is also available on the nidirect website:

Higher Level Apprenticeships training providers

Is additional support needed?

If additional support 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 support people into and to sustain work and these can be put in place for any eligible apprentice. See work schemes and programmes for people with disabilities.

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:

Apprenticeships explained for employers

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

Download the apprenticeships employer advice leaflet (PDF, 1MB)

Department for the Economy response to Apprentice Levy consultation
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Department for the Economy

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Apprenticeships Email Contact

Apprenticeships Higher Level Contact

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Apprenticeships guidance for apprentices (nidirect website)

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Apprenticeships: delivering work-based training and qualifications to employees

Apprenticeships explained for employers

Apprenticeships qualifications explained for employers

Finances and funding for Apprenticeships

Business benefits of apprenticeships

Company testimonies for apprenticeships

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Apprenticeships: delivering work-based training and qualifications to employees

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

“Our 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.”

“Our apprenticeship recruitment campaigns are very different from our regular recruitment activity. Apprentice recruitment runs from January to April each year.”

“We 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.”

“Every 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.”

Benefits of apprentices to our business

“The 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.”

“Our 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.”

Supporting and developing our apprentices

“For 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.”

“Once 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 support throughout their apprenticeship and beyond.”

Measuring success

“Mivan apprentices undergo regular progress reviews to assess performance, identify training priorities, and provide the necessary support.”

“Our 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.”

“The fact that many of our apprentices have progressed to management positions within the company is a testament to the success of Mivan’s apprentice programme.”

Looking to the future

“We 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.”

“Mivan’s 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.”

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Apprenticeships: delivering work-based training and qualifications to employees

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Read more about Getting an apprentice started