What is an apprenticeship?
An apprentice is a new or existing employee who undertakes training, alongside colleagues, to gain ‘on the job’ experience to develop the knowledge and skills to do their job.
An apprentice will also attend ‘off the job’ training, with a recognised training provider, to help them study to achieve a vocational qualification, usually at Level 2 and/ or Level 3, although Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs), at Level 5, are also available for staff in more senior job roles.
For more information, see below links:
Health and social care – level 2 apprenticeship framework | nidirect
Health and social care – level 3 apprenticeship framework | nidirect
Higher Level Apprenticeships | nidirect
Who can become an apprentice?
To become an apprentice, you will need to meet the below criteria:
- have reached the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland (16 years)
- be employed or be about to take up paid employment in Northern Ireland
- be working a minimum of 21 hours per week on a permanent contract
- meet all the entry requirements of your chosen apprenticeship (for example some apprenticeships will require you to have GCSEs)
Why become an apprentice?
There are lots of benefits to being an apprenticeship but the main benefits are that you will:
- be supported by your employer and training provider to attend training and study for a vocational qualification – earn while you learn
- work alongside and be supported by experienced colleagues
- have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills as a health and social care practitioner
- be on your learning and development journey, as part of the Care in Practice Framework, supporting your career progression
To find out more about apprenticeships, follow the below link:
Apprenticeships explained | nidirect
Click here for more information about apprenticeships for employers.