Led by the Department for the Economy and running from 5 to 9 February, Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week will showcase how apprenticeships can transform the future of apprentices and businesses, helping them release their potential.

Launching NI Apprenticeship Week during a visit to Queen’s University Belfast to meet its technician apprentices, Moira Doherty, Head of Skills and Education at DfE, said: “Apprenticeships offer a fantastic way to learn new skills, gain recognised qualifications and enable you to release your potential.

“Employed from the start, you earn while you learn, working alongside experienced staff as well as studying at a local college, university or private training provider. And for employers, apprenticeships offer access to fresh talent as apprentices gain the real-world skills and qualifications needed to help your business grow. I encourage anyone with an interest in an apprenticeship to check out the events planned for NI Apprenticeship Week and get involved to find out more.”

Ms Doherty added: “Apprenticeships are crucial to underpinning the inclusive economic growth we all want for Northern Ireland.”

During Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week, would-be apprentices of all ages will have the opportunity to learn more about available opportunities in a wide range of sectors including accountancy, beauty therapy, construction, engineering, hairdressing, health and social care, IT, transport, and utilities.

Details of in-person and virtual events happening across Northern Ireland during Apprenticeship Week are available at the Apprenticeship week events page(external link opens in a new window / tab) on the nidirect website.