Economy Minister announces 50 new civil engineering apprenticeships

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton has announced 50 new civil engineering apprenticeships through the Work + programme in association with The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Economy minister announces 50 new civil engineering apprenticeships

The apprenticeships, currently offered by 24 employers, will enable apprentices to earn as they learn from the age of 16, gain invaluable industry experience, and provide a direct progression pathway to higher levels of professional and technical work.

As he launched this new apprenticeship scheme the Minister said: “Creating high quality jobs that focus on the skills needed to grow and increase the competitiveness of our economy is a key priority for me. 

“These new apprenticeships support the findings of the Northern Ireland Skills Barometer report, which identified civil engineering as a growing sector which will have high demand, in the top 25 sectors, for leavers with intermediate to higher level qualifications, over the next 10 years.

Minister Hamilton concluded: “The new civil engineering apprenticeship demonstrates an effective partnership approach, putting employers firmly in the driving seat and working closely with the Further Education colleges. This new apprenticeship scheme will allow apprentices to work and gain the qualifications, experience and broader transferable skills they need for long-term progression in education and employment.”

Apprentices will attend college on a day release basis for two years, while working full-time for their employer. All six of Northern Ireland’s FE colleges are taking part, and participating companies are offering up to 50 apprenticeship places.

ICE Regional Director Richard Kirk said: “Civil engineering is an exciting and growing sector, and we want to attract a diverse group of people who will build Northern Ireland’s future and provide better quality of life for its communities.”

“We are encouraging anyone interested in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) to apply – you will be able start on a salary of £10,000 from your first day, work towards a professional qualification, and take your first step into a lifelong career.”

The apprenticeship supports findings from the government’s Skills Barometer Report, which identified civil engineering as a sector which should have high demand over the next ten years at Level 3-5.

Notes to editors: 

1. The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) was founded in 1818 to ensure professionalism in civil engineering. It represents 90,000 qualified and student civil engineers in the UK and across the globe. ICE has long worked with the government of the day to help it to achieve its objectives, and has worked with industry to ensure that construction and civil engineering remain major contributors to the UK economy and UK exports.

Employers participating in Work+ include:

• AECOM
• Albert Fry Associates
• Amey
• Arup
• Atkins
• BSG Civil Engineering Ltd
• Byrne Looby
• Creagh Concrete
• Deane Public Works Ltd
• Design ID
• Doran Consulting
• Farrans
• FP McCann
• Geda
• Graham Construction
• Lagan Construction Group
• McAdam Design
• McFarland Associates
• McLaughlin & Harvey
• Mott MacDonald
• Patrick Bradley Ltd
• RPS
• Vantage 3
• WDR & RT Taggart

2. For media enquiries, please contact Department for Economy Press Office on 028 9052 9604. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned

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