Age
16 and over
You usually work four days a week and spend one day with a training provider.
Quick facts
- Age
- 16 and over
- You need
- A job or job offer with a Northern Ireland-based employer
- Pay
- At least the minimum wage apprentice rate
- Levels
- Level 2, Level 3, and Higher Level (4 to 7)
- Find one
- Search JobApplyNI
Who can join
You must have reached the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland, which is 16. You must be about to take up paid work in Northern Ireland, or have been employed by your current employer for less than six months.
Other rules may apply. You may not be eligible if you are a non-EU national, a public sector worker, or already have a recognised vocational qualification. Your training provider checks this.
How much you get paid
Your employer pays you just as they would any other employee, and also pays you for the time you spend with the training provider.
The minimum wage apprentice rate applies if you are under 19, or 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship. nidirect says this rate does not apply to Higher Level Apprenticeships. The hourly rates change on 1 April each year.
Levels and how long they take
There are over 100 Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships, and almost 100 Higher Level Apprenticeships. It usually takes up to two years to finish one level, and up to four years for two.
Higher Level Apprenticeships give qualifications from Level 4 to Level 7. They take a minimum of two years.
How to get an apprenticeship
Find an employer who will take you on
You must be employed, or have an employer willing to employ you as an apprentice.
Search JobApplyNI for apprenticeship vacancies
JobApplyNI lists apprenticeships, including Higher Level Apprenticeships, from employers across Northern Ireland.
Contact an apprenticeship training contractor
Once your employer agrees, the training contractor checks your eligibility and registers your interest in training.
Agree your training plan
Your training contractor meets you and your employer and agrees a training plan with you both.
Things to watch
If you started an apprenticeship and left, you can rejoin to finish the rest. Contact an apprenticeship training supplier.
If you have a disability, your training contractor will arrange extra support with a specially trained support provider. Your local Careers Service and Jobs and Benefits office can also help you find an employer.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- Careers Service (help finding an apprenticeship)
- 0300 200 7820
- ApprenticeshipsNI (Department for the Economy)
- Apprenticeships@economy-ni.gov.uk
- Find apprenticeship training in your area
- nidirect: find apprenticeship training
From the official pages (nidirect.gov.uk), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
What is ApprenticeshipsNI?
The Northern Ireland apprenticeship programme. It offers paid training to people aged 16 and over who have a job with a Northern Ireland-based company.
What is the ApprenticeshipsNI rate of pay?
At least the minimum wage apprentice rate if you are under 19, or 19 or over in your first year. It does not apply to Higher Level Apprenticeships.
Is there an upper age limit for ApprenticeshipsNI?
nidirect says the programme is for people aged 16 and over and gives no upper age. Other eligibility rules may apply.
Do I need a job before I start?
Yes. You must be employed, or have found an employer willing to employ you as an apprentice.
Where can I find ApprenticeshipsNI jobs?
Search JobApplyNI, contact employers or training providers, or ask the Careers Service or your Jobs and Benefits office.