EMPLOYERS are being encouraged to think about how apprenticeships can "help unlock economic growth in Northern Ireland".
To mark the fourth annual Apprenticeship week, the Department for the Economy and Further Education Colleges are highlighting the importance of apprenticeships and asking businesses to consider how offering them might benefit them or their business.
A number of events are taking place throughout the week to showcase the types of apprenticeships available in FE College and how those apprenticeships are changing to meet the needs of new and emerging sectors like cybersecurity, fintech, IT and advanced manufacturing.
Louise Warde Hunter from the Further Education Principal’s Group said: "This week gives us a prime opportunity to reflect on the importance of apprenticeships and the skills they provide for regional and local economic development.
"Apprenticeships play an important part in economic development by providing people with qualifications along with crucial on the job training that means they are work ready as soon as they finish their course.
"That combination of relevant knowledge and practical know-how is invaluable to employers and means that students are gaining employment in well paid jobs once they are qualified.
"The colleges already work with more than 9,000 employers, identifying skills gaps and designing courses tailored to meet the needs of businesses and employers.
"Colleges will be fundamental to implementing the exciting development ahead with the introduction of 'all age apprenticeships' later this year, aimed at supporting those people who might be thinking about a career change."
Clement Athanasiou from the Department for the Economy added that apprenticeships are "a fantastic way to develop the skills and knowledge needed by our economy, whilst earning and setting your career on a strong footing for the future".
