Anyone over the age of 16 who wants to train, achieve a qualification and get paid whilst doing it, can become an apprentice! Whatever your educational and work background, apprenticeships are a great way to start or progress in a career, gain and experience new skills, and achieve industry recognised qualifications – all while being paid!
There are two types of apprenticeships. ApprenticeshipsNI (Level 2 and Level 3) and Higher Level Apprenticeships (Levels 4, 5,6 & 7)
To take part in the ApprenticeshipsNI (Level 2 and Level 3) programme you need to:
- have reached the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland (16 years)
- be employed or be about to take up paid employment in Northern Ireland
- be working a minimum of 21 hours per week on a permanent contract
- meet all the entry requirements of your chosen apprenticeship (for example some apprenticeships will require you to have GCSEs)
To take part in Higher Level Apprenticeships (Levels 4, 5, 6 & 7)
To take part in Higher Level Apprenticeships (Levels 4, 5, 6 & 7)
Higher level apprenticeships are also ‘work-based programmes’ which enable you to gain a higher qualification such as a foundation degree, degree and even Master’s degree.
- have completed A Levels or equivalent
- meet all the entry requirements of your chosen apprenticeship, for example A Levels or equivalent
- be employed or be about to take up paid employment in Northern Ireland
- there are no age restrictions for HLAs
Over 25?
If you're 25 years and over, there are restrictions on the number and types of Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeships with funding available. More details below.
Level 2 courses for over 25s link
Level 3 courses for over 25s link
