Further Education Colleges announce details of up to 2,000 new NI Traineeship places, across 27 professions
Ahead of the publication of GCSE results tomorrow, Northern Ireland’s six Further Education Colleges have announced details of 2,000 new NI Traineeship places now available for both school-leavers and adults.
Available across 27 professions, the new NI Traineeships enable school-leavers and adults to gain a qualification equivalent to five GCSEs (Level 2), while also gaining valuable work experience in their chosen sector.
Applications are now open - find out what is available at SWC.
The NI Traineeships are supported by the Department for the Economy, in line with its 10X Economic Vision and associated Skills Strategy. This aims to offer accessible routes to further study and employment, including apprenticeships.
A Traineeship typically takes up to two years to complete on a full-time basis. Students can then progress to Level 3 FE courses or apprenticeships, both of which offer progression to Higher Education including degrees and Higher-Level Apprenticeships.
Available across 27 professions
Among the 27 professions covered by the NI Traineeships are engineering, auto electrics, joinery, animal care, professional chef, hospitality and tourism, travel and tourism, and childcare and early years.
Real-world challenges
Developed alongside industry, the NI Traineeships include project-based learning and skills training. The Traineeship package offers students a more dynamic and relevant vocational programme of learning than traditional academic pathways.
While undertaking their Traineeship, students will explore real-world challenges developed by local employers and complete a period of structured work-related learning with an employer. Students will also have the opportunity to achieve additional qualifications deemed necessary for work within their chosen sector, as well as skills valued by employers including problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and entrepreneurship.
Leo Murphy, Chair of the College Principals’ Group and Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College (NWRC), says, “These NI Traineeships offer young people and adults a fantastic chance to begin a new and exciting chapter in their lives. If you are a school leaver, are unemployed, or currently have a desire to work in a certain sector, then I urge you to find out more about the NI Traineeships now on offer in your local Further Education College.
“Making the most of the world-class facilities in our FE Colleges, these NI Traineeships provide our students with accessible, really enjoyable, high-quality vocational education and training, and working relationships with leading employers that often lead to fulfilling careers.
“These Traineeships also highlight the value employers now place on the use of Traineeship as a route to Apprenticeships, with many hundreds of young people progressing to employment in key sectors. The exciting work-based training options highlight the vital role FE plays in the creation of a vibrant Northern Ireland economy.”