Apprentices across the sectors in Northern Ireland have overwhelmingly expressed confidence in their future career prospects, according to a recent survey by early talent experts Workplus.
Sponsored by NIE Networks, the Workplus ‘Apprenticeship Pulse: The Voice of Apprentices in Northern Ireland’ survey shows that over 90% of respondents expressed confidence in their career prospects, indicated a significant rise in salary during their apprenticeship, and more than half of apprentices surveyed (53%) said they prefer working in-person, citing the benefits of face-to-face collaboration and easier learning opportunities.
The survey indicated that 94% expressed confidence in their career prospects, supported by an average salary increase of £7,500 during their apprenticeship. According to respondents, apprentices in Northern Ireland with more than 3 years’ experience earn an average £28,526 - which is ahead of the national average.
Another 39% favoured hybrid arrangements, with just 8% favouring fully remote work, highlighting a shift towards workplace presence as a priority for younger workers entering the labour market. The report is based on the views of 188 apprentices.
Founder and CEO of Workplus Richard Kirk said: “This survey highlights the incredible potential of apprenticeships but also underscores areas where the system can improve to better serve young people and employers. Too many students struggle to find opportunities due to a lack of awareness, fragmented application processes, and limited availability in certain industries.”
He added: “At Workplus, we are committed to simplifying this journey by creating a centralised platform that connects talent with opportunities, streamlines applications, and provides better guidance and support. By addressing these barriers, we can ensure apprenticeships are accessible to all and continue to play a vital role in developing the skilled workforce our economy needs.”
According to the majority of apprentices, their overall experiences have exceeded expectations, with praise for the integration of academic knowledge with practical learning, professional development opportunities, and financial independence.
Paula Leathem, Head of HR at NIE Networks, said: “At NIE Networks, we are proud to support initiatives like the Apprenticeship Pulse report, which highlights the transformative impact of apprenticeships on individuals and businesses alike. Apprenticeships are key to developing the next generation of skilled professionals, and we are committed to creating opportunities that empower early talent to thrive while addressing critical skills gaps in the industry.”
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “With more than 13,000 apprentices and Higher Level apprentices across the north, it is clear that this is a popular and successful pathway to earning while you learn. Workplus is a valued facilitator of apprenticeships locally, and I thank the company for its work on this report and the feedback on our apprenticeships programme.”
