Apprenticeships NI · DfE Funded
Earn while you learn, without the debt.
A paid job with structured training. You sign on with an employer, work alongside experienced colleagues, and spend one day a month at a Rutledge centre studying toward a nationally recognised qualification, funded by the Department for the Economy.
Are you an employer? Hire an apprentice with Rutledge
What to know
The essentials
- Eligibility
- Starting a new job or recently started within the last 6 months. We can match you with apprenticeship opportunities.
- Duration
- Duration is 12 months to 14 months depending on professional and technical area.
Sector index · 19 areas
Pick a sector. Read the framework.
- 01Accounting & Financial Services2
- 02Administration & Management3
- 03Agriculture & Land7
- 04Construction & Building Services9
- 05Children's Care & Young People2
- 06Engineering & Manufacturing3
- 07Food & Drink1
- 08Hair & Beauty5
- 09Health & Social Care3
- 10Hospitality & Catering2
- 11IT & Digital6
- 12Leisure & Sport1
- 13Motor Vehicle6
- 14Print & Creative4
- 15Retail & Customer Service5
- 16Science & Animal Care2
- 17Services & Facilities3
- 18Transport & Logistics6
- 19Utilities3
Popular apprenticeship trades.
Looking for a specific trade? These pages cover what you learn, the levels available and where the apprenticeship leads.
- Joinery apprenticeships
- Electrical Installation apprenticeships
- Plumbing & Heating apprenticeships
- Vehicle Maintenance & Repair apprenticeships
- Vehicle Body & Paint apprenticeships
- Hairdressing apprenticeships
- Barbering apprenticeships
- Beauty Therapy apprenticeships
- Childcare & Early Years apprenticeships
- Health & Social Care apprenticeships
- Business Administration apprenticeships
- Engineering apprenticeships
- Professional Cookery apprenticeships
- IT & Digital apprenticeships
- Accounting apprenticeships
- Bricklaying apprenticeships
- Painting & Decorating apprenticeships
- Plastering apprenticeships
- Welding & Fabrication apprenticeships
- Warehousing & Logistics apprenticeships
- Retail & Customer Service apprenticeships
- Dental Nursing apprenticeships
- Pharmacy Services apprenticeships
- Team Leading & Management apprenticeships
- Fitness & Leisure apprenticeships
- Agriculture apprenticeships
- Cleaning & Facilities apprenticeships
Not sure an apprenticeship is the right first step? Compare what you would be paid on each route in our guide to Education Maintenance Allowance in Northern Ireland.
In their own words
What our apprentices say.
Real feedback from people who've completed an Apprenticeship NI with Rutledge.
“Doing an apprenticeship with Rutledge helped me earn while learning and gave me real experience in the industry I wanted to work in.”
Apprenticeship NI graduate
“The support from my tutor was brilliant. They checked in regularly and helped me stay on track with my qualification.”
Apprenticeship NI graduate
“I liked being able to learn on the job instead of sitting in a classroom all the time. It helped me build confidence really quickly.”
Apprenticeship NI graduate
“My apprenticeship helped me gain experience, qualifications and a full-time job at the end of it.”
Apprenticeship NI graduate
“Rutledge made the whole process easy and supported me from the interview stage right through to completing my qualification.”
Apprenticeship NI graduate
Take the next step
Register your interest
The training team supporting your nearest Rutledge branch will contact you to explain the Apprenticeships NI programme and suitable next steps.
Essential Skills RequirementAll Apprenticeships NI programmes require completion of Essential Skills in Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills (ICT), unless the apprentice already holds a GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) in each subject.
Government-funded provision
Rutledge delivers Apprenticeships NI under contract with the Department for the Economy. There is no fee to the apprentice, training is fully funded by DfE.