Employment and skills programmes (including apprenticeships)

Careers Service content

Skills Strategies

Information on the Tertiary and post-16 Education Reform including Widening Participation and National Occupational Standards.

The Department for the Economy and the Department of Education have published the 14-19 Framework entitled "Developing a more strategic approach to 14-19 Education and Training - a framework to Transform 14-19 Education and Training Provision".

Step Up case studies allows readers to hear from people who have been supported by the Step Up funded projects. The participants share their story of how they have been supported by the Step Up provision

These statistical publications have been produced by the department and present a range of analysis regarding the numbers and characteristics of those enrolling and qualifying in Essential Skills.

In the Northern Ireland economy there is a wide range of salaries advertised across the various sectors and occupations. Unsurprisingly, industries with highly skilled roles such as those within the IT sector have provided the highest average salaries within our economy over the last number of years.

This short article will examine the ranking of salary prospects and how this has changed over time, using sources such as the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) and NIJobs TalentBank. The article will also consider if there is a balance to be struck between salary prospects and a “good job”.

The Careers Service provides up to date information about the different sectors of the Northern Ireland economy in regular bulletins and "newsflashes".

Apprenticeship Awards 2024 winners and finalists

Apprenticeship Awards 2025 winners and finalists

The Department for the Economy co-ordinate and co-design the NI Apprenticeship Week in partnership with local educational institutions, private contractors, businesses and local councils.

2025 marked the introduction of the first legal apprenticeships in Northern Ireland. This is an exciting development for the legal sector and Citi Group were the NI Apprenticeship Award Winners 2025 in the Large Employer category, in partnership with Ulster University.

Let’s hear directly from the legal apprentices -

In developing new evidence to underpin the 10x Skills Strategy, DfE worked with NISRA to develop new qualification indicators. This included the creation of a Lifelong Learning indicator for Northern Ireland using Labour Force Survey data.

Skills Initiatives Branch oversees a variety of skills interventions delivered throughout Northern Ireland, to deliver the Minister’s Economic Vision.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced the dates for Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2026.

The Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) bulletins cover analysis of the HLA programmes delivered at Northern Ireland Further Education (FE) colleges and College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). Delivery of HLAs at FE colleges in Northern Ireland began in 2017/18.

The annual NI Apprenticeship Awards took place 25 March 2026 at Titanic Hotel. The Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald attended the event to meet the finalists and gave an opening address.

Eight local students have been selected to take part in WorldSkills as part of Team UK.

The information in this section will help you upskill your employees, open doors to creating new jobs or find ways to support your business.

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

Apprenticeships continue to play a vital role in developing skills and creating opportunities across a wide range of sectors throughout Northern Ireland.

They offer individuals the chance to gain valuable, hands-on experience while working towards recognised qualifications, supporting both career progression and business growth.

The stories below share real experiences from local people who are moving into green careers. Some are just getting started, while others are changing direction and trying something new.

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.

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.

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.

Find additional help, resources, and opportunities to help your business grow, succeed, and overcome challenges. Whether you are starting a new business, expanding an existing one, or looking for ways to improve, support may be available to help you achieve your goals.

Information on Apprenticeships and Sectoral Partnerships

Find a qualification that opens the door to a green career.

You will find green related courses listed below, however private training providers also offer specific courses. We provide information only and are unable to recommend or endorse specific training providers.

This document provides further information on the various programmes, training opportunities etc. that currently exist.

Policies and Strategies regarding Green Skills