NI Apprenticeship Week Launched

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 by bringing together partners including local councils, employers, universities, further education colleges, including SERC, and private training providers.

Through a series of in-person and virtual events, 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, beauty therapy, construction, engineering, hairdressing, transport and utilities.

At SERC, we are planning a series of activities including ‘Have a Go’ Sessions, where apprentices will show their range of skills using the latest techniques and state-of-the-art technologies. Apprenticeship Development Managers will be on hand to answer any queries and guide you toward your future career. The sessions will run 4.30 pm to 7.00pm at:

Lisburn Campus - Monday 6 February
Bangor Campus - Tuesday 7 February
Newtownards Campus - Wednesday 8 February, and 
Downpatrick Campus - Thursday 9 February.

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.

Launching NI Apprenticeship Week, Permanent Secretary Mike Brennan said: “As we move into a decade of economic transformation around the Department’s 10X Economic Vision, strengthening our local skills base and investing in skills is essential to grow our economy. As we work together to achieve this Vision, it is vital that we equip our citizens and businesses with the skills they need for the constantly evolving jobs market. They will be the ones who can build on Northern Ireland’s flexibility and resilience in the face of a challenging world economy. Apprenticeships have a vital role to play in making this a reality and it is important that we highlight these wider benefits to future apprentices and employers.”

The Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2023 follow on from the Week and  take place on Wednesday 29 March 2023.   Level 3 SERC Apprentice Lauren Johnston won the Apprentice Award in 2022 and the College is delighted to be finalist for two Awards in the Small to Medium Enterprises category in partnership with Turkington Windows and Conservatories, and also, in partnership with  Greenview Gas.

Commenting on the Awards, the Permanent Secretary said: “The quality of apprenticeship training in Northern Ireland is extraordinarily high, as is demonstrated by the nominations submitted to this year’s Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards. My thanks to everyone who submitted a nomination, and best of luck to all finalists.”         

Pictured above (L-R) Professor Jonathan Heggarty MBE, external judge; 2022 Higher Level Apprentice Award winner, Lewis Connelly; 2022 Apprentice Award winner, SERC's Lauren Johnston and Kathryn McCamley, chair of the 2023 judging panel.