You will know apprenticeships are by no means a new concept. They have been around for many years and have proven to be a preferred and most beneficial method for employers to train their workforce. You can now train both new and existing employees who meet the entry criteria and there is no upper age limit. From 30th September 2011, a fifty percent rate of funding, of that available to 16-24 year olds, will apply to apprentices aged 25 years plus.
If you are an employer your business could be
ApprenticeshipsNI is a Northern Ireland Government funded, work-based training programme, designed by Sector Skills Councils (SSCs)/Standard Setting Bodies (SSBs) to meet the needs of you as an employer. Business representatives from the relevant industry sector work with the SSCs/SSBs to develop the training content within each occupational area.
Your apprentice will earn a wage and work alongside you/your experienced staff to gain their apprenticeship. Off-the-job training is usually on a day-release basis with a Training Supplier who is contracted by the Department for Employment and Learning, (DEL) and sees your apprentice receive training towards recognised qualifications.
Your partnered Training Supplier provides the knowledge and skills while you provide the hands-on practical experience. ApprenticeshipsNI has a range of apprenticeships offering your apprentice(s) industry-led qualifications in the skills that you and your business requires.
Training can take between two and four years to complete depending on the level, your apprentice's ability and the industry sector. The benefits are significant not just for your apprentice but also for you and they are not just in the expected areas of, for example, production.
Employer incentives are available, the level depending on the occupational area and once the apprentice has achieved the full framework. From 30th September 2011, a fifty percent rate of funding, of that available to 16-24 year olds, will apply to apprentices aged 25 years plus.
For further information please contact the ApprenticeshipsNI Administration Branch.
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