Around 2,000 new traineeship places, across 27 professions, are to be made available at further education (FE) colleges in Northern Ireland.
Ahead of the publication of GCSE results on Thursday, the FE colleges are unveiling their new traineeships for both school leavers and adults.
They will enable students to gain a qualification equivalent to five GCSEs (Level 2) as well as valuable work experience in the sector they are interested in.
Among the 27 professions being offered are engineering, auto electrics, joinery, animal care, professional chef, hospitality and tourism, travel and tourism, and childcare and early years.
Students can then progress to Level 3 FE courses or apprenticeships, both of which offer progression to Higher Education including degrees and Higher-Level apprenticeships.
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While undertaking their traineeship, students will explore real-world challenges developed by local employers and complete a period of structured work-related learning with an employer.
Leo Murphy from the College Principals’ Group and the North West Regional College said the traineeships "offer young people and adults a fantastic chance to begin a new and exciting chapter in their lives".
“Utilising the world-class facilities available in our FE Colleges, these NI Traineeships provide our students with accessible, really enjoyable, high-quality vocational education and training, and working relationships with leading employers that often lead to fulfilling careers," he said.
“These traineeships also highlight the value employers now place on the use of traineeship as a route to apprenticeships, with many hundreds of young people progressing to employment in key sectors.
"The exciting work-based training options highlight the vital role FE plays in the creation of a vibrant Northern Ireland economy.”
Clement Athanasiou from the Department for the Economy, which supports the NI traineeships, said: “The opportunity provided by a traineeship for those who are not in employment to gain Level 2 qualifications can unlock their chosen career path, or set them up to progress to higher levels of education, such as through an Apprenticeship.
"Participants on a traineeship will also learn valuable skills for employment by taking part in work-based learning which is a great way to develop the wider transversal skills that are so important in the world of work.
"This is a fantastic and accessible new route to learning and I would encourage all those interested and eligible to look at the wide range of training options available through their local FE college.”
