Apprenticeship NI
What is Apprenticeship NI?
Apprenticeship NI is a work-based programme designed around the needs of employers that offers recognised training and qualifications to new and existing employees taking on new roles that require training and development.
The programme offers a wide range of apprenticeships at Level 2 and Level 3. Here, at Steer Training Academy, we specialise in Health and Social Care.
The ApprenticeshipsNI programme is fully funded for 16-24-year-olds, provided you meet the eligibility criteria, which are outlined in the ‘Eligibility’ section below.
This project is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014 – 2020 and the Department for the Economy.
This project is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014 – 2020 and the Department for the Economy.
Why choose an Apprenticeship?
Employment in NI
As an apprentice you will be a new or existing employee, in a Northern Ireland-based company, working with experienced staff to learn and develop your skills.
Tailored support
As your training provider, we will meet with you and your employer to discuss your training needs and will then develop a training programme for you that will be specific to your new job role. We will be with you every step of the way throughout your apprenticeship to support you and make sure you are making progress.
Direction
You will be provided with a dedicated scheme of work, providing you all the dates for the course in advance, a separate scheme of work will be provided for your essential skills (if you need them). Your employer will pay you for your time spent with the training provider.
Benefits of an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are specifically created to give you the practical skills, knowledge and competence that you need to progress in your career.
The Apprenticeships NI programme is fully funded for 16-24-year-olds, provided you meet the eligibility criteria, which are outlined in the ‘Eligibility’ tab.
As an apprentice you will:
- Receive funding to complete your Diploma, so absolutely no financial investment is required from you
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification
- Earn while you learn
- Get hands on experience working alongside skilled professionals
- Receive “off-the-job” training specific to your apprenticeship
- Get support throughout your qualification and will also receive support to complete qualifications in English, Maths and IT if required
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Health and Social Care apprenticeships, a candidate must:
- be aged between 16-24;
- be employed or about to take up paid employment in Northern Ireland
- be permanently contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training);
- hold a grade C or above in GCSE English, Maths and IT (proof of certification is required). However, if this is not the case, we can enrol and support you through Essential Skills classes as part of the Diploma
- some other eligibility criteria may apply, for instance, if you have previously obtained a similar vocational qualification but this can be discussed with a Steer advisor who will be able to review your individual circumstances
If you have any questions at all about your eligibility please feel free to give us a call on 028 3751 7907 or contact us at info@steertraining.com
FAQs
Apprenticeships are offered on a continual rolling basis, so they can be started at any time throughout the year. When you sign up, we will provide you with possible start date and you will be provided with a dedicated Scheme of Work for the entirety of your course – this will provide you with all the dates you need
Nothing! Provided you meet the eligibility criteria (please see eligibility tab), then your Apprenticeship will be fully funded by the Department for Economy
At Steer Training Academy, our apprenticeship programmes currently include Level 2 and Level 3, with candidates often starting at Level 2 and then progressing through to Level 3. However, we do also have courses available at Level 4 and 5, with further progression routes available to you – your dedicated trainer will be happy to offer guidance on what opportunities are available to you throughout your learning journey
We aim to be as flexible as possible at Steer Training Academy. The majority of our classes are online, with some classroom/face to face options available. We will work with you to organise on-the-job observations at a time that works best for you and/or your employer.
We will support you throughout the entire process enabling you to successfully complete your Diploma at a pace that’s right for you. Should you require essential skills training in English, maths or IT, we will also help to organise this for you
Assessment will be carried out continually throughout your apprenticeship. A number of assessment techniques will be used – these may include:
- assignment
- on the job observation
- expert witness testimony (provided by your employer)
Feedback and support will be provided throughout the duration of your Diploma to ensure that you are achieving the required standard and that you are developing the knowledge, skills and expertise required for the job role
