I run a business or manage a team
Information for Businesses on Green Skills
Apprenticeships
If you want to hire an apprentice or help your staff improve their skills so your business runs better, the Apprenticeships programme could be a good option.
While there isn’t a specific apprenticeship just for green skills at the moment, many programmes include skills linked to green jobs and can help people move into this area.
Find out more below
- Apprenticeships explained for employers
- Apprenticeships qualifications explained for employers
- Finances and funding for apprenticeships
- Business benefits of apprenticeships
- Company testimonies for apprenticeships
- Getting an apprentice started
Developing your teams skills for the future
Help your business stay ready for the future by building the skills of your people.
Whether your staff are starting out or already experienced, there are programmes to help them learn new skills or improve the ones they have.
Take a look below to see what’s available.
Skills Focus
Skills Focus can help your business grow by developing the skills of your team. Funded by the Department for the Economy, it offers tailored training for small and medium‑sized businesses (under 250 employees), helping staff gain valuable qualifications to Level 2 and above.
Assured Skills
Do you want to expand or create new jobs? Assured Skills Academies support businesses in Northern Ireland by delivering short, targeted training courses that prepare people with the skills you need — ready to step into roles from day one.
The programme is open to groups of companies with similar skills needs who are willing to work together and is fully funded by the Department for the Economy. Recent academies have supported areas such as welding, data analytics and cyber security.
Start building the skills your business needs to succeed — explore the options below.
- What are Assured Skills Academies?
- How Assured Skills Academies can help your company
- How Assured Skills Academies benefit individuals
- Who can apply?
- Interested?
- Current Opportunities
InnovateUs
InnovateUs helps small businesses (with fewer than 50 employees) develop the skills they need to grow and innovate.
Whether you’re new to innovation or looking to improve existing ideas, the programme supports staff at all levels to learn the skills they need to create or improve products, services or ways of working across a range of sectors.
Take the next step and explore how InnovateUs can support your business.
Opening doors to employment
JobStart Scheme
The JobStart Scheme helps employers in Northern Ireland create job opportunities for people who are currently out of work, in receipt of working age benefits and wanting to start or return to employment.
It’s a great way to bring new talent into your business while giving someone valuable workplace experience. The scheme is open to people at all levels, whether they’re just starting out or getting back into work.
Employers can receive funding to cover the relevant National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage (based on age group) for up to 25 hours per week, along with employer National Insurance and minimum pension contributions.*
Give someone a fresh start while supporting your business.
*Subject to eligibility criteria
More ways to support your business
Invest Northern Ireland
Invest NI is the regional business development agency, whose role is to grow the local economy by helping new and existing businesses to compete internationally, and by attracting new investment to Northern Ireland.
A wide range of support is available to business in NI, including the emerging green economy.
Invest NI can support your business to cut energy use and reduce carbon emissions, helping to contribute to local and national government net zero energy by 2050 target. With expert advice and financial support, they can help you can lower costs, improve efficiency, and find new opportunities in the growing green economy.
There is also support to help your business reduce waste and save energy. Tailored advice, support and funding can help your business save money, improve day‑to‑day operations, and reduce your environmental impact.
Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI)
CITB’s role is to help people employed or intending to be employed in construction get the training they need, improve skills and productivity across the industry, and build a safe, professional and fully qualified workforce in Northern Irelands construction industry.
It provides a range of services to the industry which incorporates identifying training needs, encouraging and advising on training, provision of training grants, research, standards & qualifications, and policy development.
Green Accelerator Skills Programme Courses & Training (GRASP)
The GRASP project offers approximately 50 funded Green Skills programmes aligned to the specific needs of the Construction Sector. These comprehensive training programmes include areas such as Domestic Retrofit, Passive House Design, Air Source Heat Pump Installation & Maintenance, Photovoltaic Systems Management and Digital Construction Technology. This will result in more than 1,800 accredited completions and 2,000 construction workers upskilled in Green technologies & methodologies.
Strategic Investment Board (SIB)
The Strategic Investment Board supports government departments and agencies by helping them with investment planning and investment delivery. SIB also works with partners across the public sector to deliver major projects, including many that are related to the green sector, such as Clean Hydrogen Development and NI’s Strategic Waste Infrastructure Programme.
Chamber Of Commerce
The Chamber’s purpose is to connect, champion and empower the business community, helping to drive growth across the Northern Ireland economy. As a business membership organisation, it offers access to networking opportunities, learning resources, and accredited training programmes.
Confederation Of British Industry (CBI)
The Confederation Of British Industry brings together businesses, trade associations, and universities with a shared goal of creating sustainable growth for business and the economy.
It is represented in Northern Ireland, and is based in:
Pearl Assurance House,
1 Donegall Square East,
Belfast
BT1 5HB
Tel: +44 (0)207 379 7400
Email: northern.ireland@cbi.org.uk
Federation Of Small Businesses (FSB)
The Federation Of Small Businesses works with its members, Northern Ireland Government, elected representatives, councils and many other decision-makers across the country to support small businesses and the self-employed.
It is represented in Northern Ireland, and is based in-
Federation of Small Businesses
First floor, Cathedral Chambers
143 Royal Avenue
Belfast
Northern Ireland
BT1 1FH
Email: FSBNI@fsb.org.uk
Tel: 028 9032 6035
Institute Of Directors (IoD)
The IoD is a thriving member community for directors in the UK and beyond. They offer professional development, valuable connections and meaningful influence.
IoD established a programme to become more sustainable and reduce their carbon emissions. They are committed to supporting their members to do the same.
IoD is represented in Northern Ireland
Email: chelsea.brennan@iod.com, Aoife.McCreesh@iod.com
Tel: 028 9694 6740