GCSE Results Day: Economy Minister and Further Education NI announce details of 14 new NI Traineeships

Following the publication of GCSE results today, Economy Minister Conor Murphy has joined with Northern Ireland’s six Further Education Colleges to announce details of 14 new NI Traineeships available in areas including Science, Creative Arts, Sports and Active Leisure, Digital Technologies, and Construction Studies.

The new NI Traineeships offer school leavers and others the opportunity to earn a full Traineeship diploma plus other qualifications equivalent to up to five GCSEs (including English and mathematics qualifications at level 2), while also gaining valuable work experience and skills in the specific sector they are interested in.

Developed alongside industry, the Traineeship offers students a more dynamic and relevant vocational programme of learning than traditional academic pathways with project-based learning and skills training included. Students 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.

The Minister announced details of the new NI Traineeships on a visit to South West College’s Enniskillen Campus today. While there, he met with school leavers and lifelong learners enrolling at the College and spent time with staff and local employers involved in the delivery of Traineeships and Apprenticeships.

The new NI Traineeship areas announced today bring the number of professional sectors in which the Traineeship is offered to 46. Already popular choices among learners seeking to unlock new career paths are engineering, auto electrics, joinery, animal care, professional chef, hospitality and tourism, travel and tourism, and childcare and early years. Some 3,000 NI Traineeship places are being provided in FE Colleges across the new academic year.

Typically taking up to two years to complete on a full-time basis, NI Traineeship graduates can then progress to Level 3 FE courses (A Level equivalent) or Apprenticeships, both of which offer potential progression routes into Higher Education including degrees and Higher-Level Apprenticeships. Supported by the Department for the Economy, NI Traineeships have been created to offer accessible routes to further study and employment, including apprenticeships.

Speaking about the new NI Traineeships, Economy Minister Conor Murphy said:

“I am pleased to announce today the launch of new Traineeships across the north, funded by my department. These programmes represent an investment in the future of our young people, offering them valuable opportunities to gain practical skills and experience alongside their qualifications.

“I want to encourage all students, particularly those who may be seeking direction in their career paths, to check out the learning options on nidirect and consider applying for these Traineeships.”

Welcoming the Minister to SWC, Celine McCartan, CEO and Principal of South West College, added:

“We are delighted to welcome the Minister to SWC today to join our new learners as they enroll on the next stage of their educational journey.

“Today’s announcement of these new NI Traineeships highlights once again the ability and agility of the FE sector to adapt and work alongside employers in ensuring our high-quality vocational training and Higher and Further Education courses are providing both industry and students with the skills they need to succeed.

“Like all of our vocational and academic pathways, our NI Traineeships are delivered by industry-experienced and talented staff, in cutting-edge and top-class facilities, and I urge school leavers, people not in employment, or those thinking of a career change, to check out the NI Traineeships on offer in their FE Colleges. Our friendly staff will be only too happy to help you take the next step in your career journey.”

While undertaking their Traineeship, students explore real-world challenges developed by local employers and complete a period of structured work-related learning with an employer.

Speaking about their experience of an NI Traineeship, Ella Dolan from Derrygonnelly who is employed by Keltek Automotive as a light vehicle maintenance mechanic said:

"I'm beyond grateful to South West College for the hands-on training that gave me the skills and confidence I needed. Now, being part of the Keltek Automotive team, I get to put everything I've learned into practice and continue growing in this industry."

The full list of NI Traineeships now available through Northern Ireland’s six Further Education Colleges can be found by searching for NI Traineeships online at www.nidirect.com

Participants on an NI Traineeship may be eligible for financial support through Education Maintenance Allowance or FE Grants. Hardship funds, free school meals, equipment, and travel passes may also be available. Further information is also available online at NI Direct.