Key industry update: all ages apprenticeships announced

The Department for the Economy will now fully fund the off-the-job training element of an apprenticeship under the ApprenticeshipsNI programme regardless of age or sector. This will mean there is a potential to create an additional 1,700 apprenticeship opportunities per year for those aged 25 and above. NFRC welcomes this announcement. For the industry, it is a move that will help to provide a clear route for new entrants; widening the labour pool and giving more people the chance of a rewarding career that begins with an apprenticeship. The need for skilled workers to meet future demand is something that the construction industry is fully aware of and decisions like this can help to make a real difference.

If you already work in construction and are interested in a change of direction, upskilling, or if you know someone who might be looking for an opportunity to get started, then you can find out more through People 1st, which run a highly successful apprenticeships NI qualification in roofing and cladding for construction: https://www.nfrc.co.uk/careers/training-providers/people-1st.