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  • I want to learn new skills or start my green skills journey

    Topics:
    • Employment and skills programmes (including apprenticeships)

    The information in this section will help you find training to improve your skills or start working in the green sector.

    Apprenticeships

    Combine paid, practical work experience with structured training

    An apprenticeship can help you gain the skills, experience and recognised qualifications you need to succeed in your chosen career — while earning as you learn.

    To start an apprenticeship, you must first be employed, as the training takes place alongside your job.

    Apprenticeships are available across a wide range of sectors at different levels:

    • Level 2
    • Level 3
    • Higher Level Apprenticeships (Level 4 and above)

    You can find out more about:

    • What an apprentice is
    • Who apprenticeships are for
    • The benefits of an apprenticeship
    • How much you get paid
    • Contact apprenticeships
    • Find a training provider

    Develop or Learn New Skills

    You can develop your skills at any stage of your career — whether you want to progress in your current role, change direction, or improve your job prospects.

    Skill Up – free, flexible courses for people over age 18

    GRASP – upskilling opportunities for the construction sector

    Work Experience – short term, practical experience for the unemployed

    Green Skills - Develop or learn new skills picture

    Start Your Career: Skills & Trainee Pathways 

    Help to take steps into the world of work. Whether you are leaving school, returning to work, changing career, or looking to gain new skills, there are pathways available to help you build the knowledge, confidence, and experience employers are looking for.

    Skills for Life and Work – training for school leavers to gain skills

    Traineeships – build the skills employers are looking for

    Green Skills - Start your career picture of windmills in a barley field

     

    Careers Service

    If you need help deciding your next step, the Careers Service can provide advice and guidance.

    The Careers Service has also published Green Skills career guides, which explain:

    • What green skills are
    • Why they are important
    • Where they are used
    • Pathways into green careers in Northern Ireland

    These guides are designed for both young people and adults exploring opportunities in the green economy.

    Green Skills Careers Bulletin

    The Careers Service - A Young Person’s Guide to Green Skills Careers in Northern Ireland

    The Careers Service - An Adult’s Guide to Green Skills careers in Northern Ireland

    Careers Service

    Related content

    • Apprenticeships
    • Apprenticeships across Northern Ireland
    • Degree apprenticeships in Law in Northern Ireland
    • Develop or Learn New Skills
    • Developing your teams skills for the future
    • Essential Skills Enrolments and Outcomes
    • Green Skills Policies and Strategies
    • Higher Level Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland at FE colleges and CAFRE bulletins
    • I run a business or manage a team
    • Jobs with the Best Salary Prospects
    • More ways to support your business
    • Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2024
    • Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2025
    • Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2026
    • Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week
    • Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2026: Invest in Talent – Your Future Business
    • Northern Ireland Green Skills Eco-System
    • Qualifications in Northern Ireland
    • Real Life Stories on Green Skills
    • Skills Initiative Branch
    • Start Your Career: Skills & Trainee Pathways
    • Training Providers
    • WorldSkills Team UK 2026 - Shanghai
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