Council and SERC support Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week
Ards and North Down Borough Council, together with South Eastern Regional College (SERC), is supporting Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week (NIAW) – (6-10th February).
Led by the Department for the Economy, the annual week-long celebration raises the profile of apprenticeships across Northern Ireland by bringing together partners including local councils, employers, universities, further education colleges and private training providers.
Through a series of in-person and virtual events, the week showcases how apprenticeships can transform the future of apprentices and businesses.
Would-be apprentices have the opportunity to learn more about available opportunities in a wide range of sectors including accountancy, beauty therapy, construction, engineering, hairdressing, transport and utilities.
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas, said: “Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week provides an opportunity for everyone involved in apprenticeships.
“This is whether it be as an apprentice or as an employer, or those who are simply interested in finding out more, to come together during a week-long programme of events.
“It allows apprentices to get a valuable insight into their chosen sector and gain key skills while businesses across the Borough have a chance to expand their workforce with talented apprentices who are eager to learn.”
Clement Athanasiou, Director of Apprenticeships, Careers and Vocational Education at the Department for the Economy, said: “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.
“NI Apprenticeship Week showcases the benefits of apprenticeships and the wide range of opportunities that exist right across Northern Ireland.
“I would encourage potential participants, parents and employers to take part and find out how apprenticeships can work for them.”
Victoria Boyd, Training Programmes Manager at SERC, said: “SERC partners with 750 employers to support over 1,300 Apprentices.
“Enrolments for apprenticeships through the College have grown by 10% in 2022/2023 on the previous year.
“Working with industry, we continue to grow the skills range on offer through the apprenticeship route.
“This ranges from accountancy to pharmacy services, and starting from September 2023, we will offer new Higher-Level Apprenticeships (HLA) in Cloud Management and Cyber Security.
“Our celebrations for NIAW include a thank you breakfast and networking event in recognition of local employer support for apprenticeships.
“And there is a series of Have a Go sessions to showcase the range of opportunities and skills for apprentices using the latest techniques and state-of-the-art technologies across our campuses.”
The CEO of Camphill Community Glencraig, Paul Betts, said: “The Camphill Community at Glencraig offers care and education to over 80 children and adults with a learning disability or autism where each person is helped to reach their potential.
“We are also delighted to help SERC students interested in Health and Social Care to reach their potential too by learning on the job through work experience placements with us whilst making a real difference in someone’s life as part of a team.
“Partnering with SERC has been a positive experience which I would recommend to other employers for consideration.”
Following NI Apprenticeship Week, the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2023 will take place on Wednesday 29 March.
For more information, visit:
nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/apprenticeships
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