Apprenticeships NI
"Maximising People Potential"
What an apprentice is:
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. An apprentice also receives ‘off-the-job’ training, usually on a day-release basis with Rutledge, to work towards achieving vocational qualifications and Essential Skills qualifications (reading, writing, maths and computers).
We will meet with you and your employer to discuss your training needs and will then develop a training programme for you. We will be with you every step of the way throughout your apprenticeship to support you and make sure you are making progress.
Usually you are with Rutledge one day a month. Your employer will pay you for your time spent with Rutledge whilst attending training.
Who apprenticeships are for:
To take part in the Apprenticeships programme you need to:
- have reached the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland (16 years);
- be employed or be about to take up paid employment in Northern Ireland;
- be working a minimum of 21 hours per week on a permanent contract;
- meet all the entry requirements of your chosen apprenticeship (for example some apprenticeships will require you to have GCSEs);
- meet a number of eligibility considerations;
- these include if you are a non-EU national or a public sector employee or if you have previously achieved a recognised vocational qualification;
You may need to meet other eligibility considerations, for example you may not be eligible if you're a non-EU national, a public sector worker or already have a recognised vocational qualification.
If you're 25 years and over, there are restrictions on the type of apprenticeship with funding available.
How much you get paid:
Your employer will pay you just as they would any other employee. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is a minimum amount that workers in the UK are entitled to be paid.
Apprenticeships are a great way to gain valuable knowledge and experience in a chosen field, while earning real pay and benefitting from hands-on training. From improving your employability to creating long-lasting career prospects, here are 10 amazing benefits of apprenticeship programs that you should consider.
Develop Marketable Skills and Experience
Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop fundamental technical skills in your chosen field. Throughout the programme you will learn marketable skills such as problem-solving and resourcefulness, which are valuable assets to any employer. With an apprenticeship under your belt, you can demonstrate an understanding of industry needs, trends and practices which will open more doors for you in the future.
Gain Real Pay for Doing a Job
One of the biggest benefits of apprenticeships is that you get to harness your newly acquired skills and gain a higher level of experience all while getting paid for it! Apprentices are paid in a variety of ways, depending on the industry and country. While pay rates will differ in different countries, generally an apprentice will start with a modest starting salary and this can increase as their skills progress.
Apply Theory in the Workplace
Apprenticeships are a great way to apply theory in the workplace and develop your skills. Through an apprenticeship you will learn from experienced professionals how to put work based theory into practice in order to gain the most effective outcome. You will be learning from experienced people who have done the job before and understand how to best apply your skills for success.
Get Support From Employers & Rutledge Training
Employers and Rutledge Training understand the value of apprenticeships for both employers and their employees. During your apprenticeship, you can expect to receive extensive support from your employer and trainer with personalised advice on how to improve your skills. This includes evaluating your ability level to determine where you need additional guidance as well as providing feedback on your performance during the program.
Start A Career Without Spending Years In Study
Apprenticeships offer a career pathway in many different fields without having to spend years studying. With an apprenticeship, you’ll get the knowledge and skills you need without spending long periods studying in a classroom. Instead, you’ll gain experience doing hands-on work under the guidance of experienced mentors who can provide feedback and advice to help you excel further in your chosen field.
Access to Networking Opportunities
Apprenticeships provide you with multiple opportunities to meet new people and build long-term professional relationships. Whether it is through formal seminars, events such as job fairs, or even just casual conversations within the workplace, apprenticeships are great for developing your network of career contacts. Having a strong network of professionals is beneficial in any industry, so use your apprenticeship to start expanding your network today!
Take up Specialised Training Courses and Certifications
Many apprenticeship programs provide specialised training and certifications as part of their program. This may include professional qualifications such as specialist diplomas or even industry-specific certifications. With the right specialisations, you can develop a portfolio that stands out from the crowd and help you stand out in job applications and interviews. Make sure to take advantage of any courses or certificates available from Rutledge Training while on your apprenticeship so that you can stay ahead of the competition!
Join the Established Working Environment Quickly
One of the top benefits of apprenticeships is that you will have the opportunity to join a well-established working environment more quickly than if you had studied for an academic degree. This is because you will be earning a wage and gaining hands-on experience in real work scenarios from day one. This means your transition into working life can be smoother, allowing you to learn more skills, hone your capabilities and build contacts without having spent several years studying for a qualification first.
Learn Teamwork and Soft Skills
Apprentices will have the opportunity to develop important soft skills, such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and time management. Through working with experienced colleagues, they will learn how to manage their time efficiently, work in a team and adhere to company protocols. These skills are highly valued by employers in any sector and will be an invaluable life-long asset.
Possibility of Full Time Employment After Apprenticeship Completion
Completing an apprenticeship can open the door to full-time employment opportunities with the same organisation or even a different employer. This is especially true if you've proven to your apprenticeship provider that you have the necessary skills and commitment to excel in your chosen trade. Proving your ability to learn, grow and commit during the period of your apprenticeship often serves as a great testament to employers who are looking for qualified candidates.
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