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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a job with training built–in. It’s the best way to develop new talent. Through on–the–job and off–the–job learning, an apprentice is considered a full–time employee and earns a good wage, whilst avoiding student debt (government pays their student fees).
Which training providers offer apprenticeships in Northern Ireland?
Belfast Metropolitan College
CAFRE
North West Regional College
Northern Regional College
Private Training Providers (e.g. 21 Training, People 1st)
Queen’s University
South Eastern Regional College
South West Regional College
Southern Regional College
Ulster University
Are there training plan requirements for apprentices?
The Training Provider, employer, and apprentice must agree, sign, and date a personal training plan in respect of the apprentice. Individual courses have specific training plan requirements too.
Workplace Mentor
All apprentices must be assigned a dedicated mentor by their employing company. Mentors need to be carefully chosen and have particular skills for dealing with apprentices, whose concerns may extend beyond those typically presented in the workplace by more experienced employees. They should be an experienced and trusted advisor to the apprentice.
Feedback from existing apprenticeship schemes suggests that a mentor with a professional qualification (or close to qualifying) is advisable. They can assist the apprentice with demonstrating their academic and professional qualification abilities and experience.
How does the Apprenticeship Levy affect apprenticeships in NI?
In short…it doesn’t! All businesses across the UK with a payroll >£3m pay 0.5% of their total wage bill (minus an apprenticeship levy allowance of £15,000) as an Apprenticeship Levy. In England, employers are able to re–coup funds collected through the levy to pay the training provider for their apprentice’s training costs. In Northern Ireland, there is no direct correlation between the levy raised from employers and the funding allocation for apprenticeships. Government covers the apprentice training costs and pays the training provider directly. So, in summary, whether you pay the Levy or not, you are eligible to employ apprentices in NI and there is no link to the Levy amount you’ve paid to Government.
How will my apprentice be educated?
Typically apprentices attend college or university one day per week but the Government covers the cost of the education. During the course of an apprenticeship, there will be work–based learning modules to be completed, including a project and reports. Employers will need to work closely with the college and university assessors to help the apprentice with this work, with mentors giving time and support to facilitate success. At the discretion of the employer, apprentices may be working towards a professional qualification. This will often require mentoring, so employers should ensure that they discuss with the relevant professional body.
Is my organisation eligible to hire an apprentice?
There are some guidelines for organisations who want to take on an apprentice(s):
The apprentice must be employed for over 50% of their time in NI and be completing their directed training in NI with an approved local Training Contractor.
If your organisation is in the Public sector, you should be eligible to employ an apprentice as long as the apprentice’s salary is not derived from public funds.
Watch these short clips from some of the employers we’re working with on our YouTube Channel.
Why should I hire an apprentice through Workplus?
We make it easier for you to explore all apprenticeships in one place and you'll make it easier for applicants to apply to your opportunities.
How can I hire an apprentice through Workplus?
Workplus has a fixed apprenticeship application campaign timeframe which makes it easier for you and aspiring apprentices to find each other. Think of Workplus like a floodlight, made up of individual lights from all the employers we work with – when we turn it on, it's clear for everyone to see!
Can I get support to employ an apprentice with a disability or health condition?
Yes. Disability Action provides support through several programmes - Disability Support Service, Empower, and Workable (NI). We offer mentoring, job coaching, and advice that helps apprentices succeed. We also work with your team to build inclusive practices and provide reasonable adjustments where needed. Support is fully funded and begins when the apprenticeship starts.
Who can be an apprentice?
An apprentice can be anyone who:
Has reached compulsory school age; and
Is either looking to be up–skilled in their current place of work, or a new employee taking up a paid job offer.
Apprentices must have the right to work in the UK and persons from another state must meet the eligibility criteria for apprentices from other states (contact us for more detail).
When can I hire an apprentice?
By joining Workplus, you can be a part of the two hiring campaigns (when applications are open for applicants) each year:
January – March
June (shorter, clearing–like campaign)
I have a question, who can I contact?
You can reach out to the Workplus team using the blue chat–box function on the Workplus website. Make sure to accept the cookies.
Where can I find out more information?
During the Workplus application campaigns, you can view the live job opportunities available that year.
In the meantime, check out our YouTube channel to hear from apprentices, employers and Workplus. As a Workplus apprentice, you join a network of apprentices – check it out here.
We also have a mailing list, and if you would like to be kept up–to–date, sign up here.
Who pays what?
The government pays your apprentice's student fees (if they are eligible). It is the employer’s responsibility to pay the apprentice's wage. Apprentices are paid a full time salary to cover their on–the–job and off–the–job work.
The following are the Employer Class 1 National Insurance Contributions rates for 2025-26:
Apprentices aged 16–24 (Class H) rated at 0% when earning less than £4,189 per month
Apprentices aged 25+ (Class A) rated as regular employee (15%)