Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2023, led by the Department for the Economy (DfE), is an annual week-long celebration, which runs from 6 to 10 February 2023.
Building on the resurgence in apprenticeship numbers following the Covid-19 pandemic, the week aims to raise the profile of apprenticeships across Northern Ireland.
The week will showcase how apprenticeships can transform the future of apprentices and businesses. Would-be apprentices will have the opportunity to learn more about available opportunities in a wide range of sectors including accountancy, construction, engineering, hairdressing and transport.
At SERC, we are hosting a series of activities including 'Have a Go' Sessions, where there will be demonstrations to display a wide range of skills using the latest techniques and state-of-the-art technologies. The College's Apprenticeship Development Managers will be on hand to answer any queries and guide you toward your future career.
So, if you have ever wanted to try your hand at mechanics, hairdressing, catering, plumbing, construction, electrics, or engineering and like the idea of earning money while you learn, plan to come along to the 'Have a Go' sessions.
There is no need to book, just come along. The sessions will run 4.30 pm to 7.00pm at:
Lisburn Campus - Monday 6 February
Level 2 & Level 3 Apprenticeships
Retail, Joinery, Civil Engineering, Glass Industry, Electrical, Hairdressing, Catering, Engineering, Mechatronics, Polymers, Construction Plant Maintenance, Land Based Technologies, Motor Vehicle Heavy, Motor Vehicle Light, Plastering, Wall & Floor Tiling, Plumbing, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Travel Services, Fire & Security
Higher Level Apprenticeships
Accountancy, Construction, Children’s Care Learning & Development, Advanced Technician Mechanical & Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Computing, Culinary Arts
Work Based Apprenticeships
Catering, Hospitality, Health & Social Care, Financial Services, Childcare
Bangor Campus - Tuesday 7 February
Level 2 & Level 3 Apprenticeships
Hairdressing, Pharmacy, Engineering, Mechatronics, Catering, Business Administration, Hairdressing, Travel Services
Higher Level Apprenticeships
Cloud Computing Technologies, Cyber Security & Digital Forensics, Computing, Culinary Arts, Construction, Mechatronics
Work Based Apprenticeships
Catering, Hospitality, Health & Social Care, Financial Services, Childcare
Newtownards Campus - Wednesday 8 February
Level 2 & Level 3 Apprenticeships
Brickwork, Retail, Joinery, Electrical, Catering, Motor Vehicle Light, Plumbing, Fire & Security
Work Based Apprenticeships
Catering, Hospitality, Health & Social Care, Financial Services, Childcare
Downpatrick Campus - Thursday 9 February
Level 2 & Level 3 Apprenticeships
Retail, Joinery, Electrical, Hairdressing, Catering, Engineering, Motor Vehicle Light, Plumbing
Higher Level Apprenticeships
Construction, Children's Care Learning & Development, Health & Social Care, Computing, Culinary Arts
Work Based Apprenticeships
Catering, Hospitality, Health & Social Care, Financial Services, Childcare
Apprenticeship Opportunities
A Polymer Apprenticeship is just one of the subject areas we offer at SERC.
Apprenticeship Success Stories
Andrew Reain - Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Plumbing
"I wanted to progress following my GCSEs. I am enjoying the apprenticeship and I am glad I decided on this route. I secured employment with Vincent Cunningham Contractors Ltd, based in Dromore and successfully completed my Level 2 Apprenticeship NI in Plumbing with SERC and am progressing now with my Level 3. I feel like I am learning every day and progressing all the time plus I am earning whilst I learn - the perfect combination."
Employed by Vincent Cunningham Contractors Ltd
Finalist WorldSkills UK Plumbing Competition 2022
Charlie Clarke – Level 2 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering
The most enjoyable part of the apprenticeship is being in the workplace. All the theory I am gaining in College supports the knowledge and experience I am acquiring in the workplace. The combination of classroom and workplace means I have a comprehensive understanding of engineering, as I continually progress and build on my skills. The work is varied and interesting and every day is different. My role involves learning about and working with all the production machinery in Lakeland Dairies.
I also have a mentor in the workplace, so if I have any issues or need clarification on anything regarding my apprenticeship, I can link with them which is reassuring.
Employed by Lakeland Dairies
Potential apprentices, their parents and employers can contact SERC's apprentice team at: apprenticeships@serc.ac.uk
Apprenticeship Partners
SERC partners with 750 employers to offer over 1300 Apprenticeships in skills ranging from Accountancy to Childcare, from Catering to Plumbing, from Fire and Security Systems to Pharmacy Services and many other areas of employment. In addition, the College is working in partnership with industry to offer new Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLA) in Cloud Management and Cyber Security commencing September 2023.
Our Further Education, Traineeship & Apprenticeship prospectus for 2023/24 is coming soon, but in the mean time you can find details of our Apprenticeships through our course search
Apprentice Mentoring Project
MentorConnect is a package of resources for employers and apprentices. Mentor Connect improves on the support given to apprentices and provides everyone involved with an understanding of how Apprenticeships work.
View MentorConnect