A NEW scheme is creating 30 new civil engineering apprenticeships in the north.
Work+ is Northern Ireland’s first apprenticeship scheme of its kind and is now in its second year.
The programme is delivered in partnership with the Department for the Economy (DfE), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), employers and six further education colleges.
Using DfE’s Skills Barometer Report, which measures the deficit and surplus of work skills in the north, Work+ was able to tailor make a program in order to address the areas which are most in need of skilled employees.
The Skills Barometer Report also found that civil engineering was the sector with the second highest demand for workers over the next decade.
Future apprentices will attend college on a day release basis for two years while working full-time for their employer, 26 of which have signed up to the scheme. A salary will also be provided to successful applicants.
Richard Kirk, ICE’s regional director, said the program is looking for anyone interested in science, technology, engineering and maths.
"Civil engineering is an exciting and growing sector, and we want to attract a diverse group of people who will build the North’s future and provide better quality of life for its communities," he added.
"Apprenticeships are a key driver to our economy – in order for the north to be globally competitive, we need to focus on upskilling our population and placing people in the right sectors to address demand."
Applications for the scheme are now open and are available on the NI Direct website.
