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Students from Southern Regional College (SRC) were among thirty young people from Northern Ireland’s Further Education (FE) Colleges recognised as the first recipients of a Northern Ireland Traineeship at a ceremony in Stormont. The students were among the first cohort from Northern Ireland to complete a NI Traineeship.
The new NI Traineeships enable school-leavers and adults to gain a qualification equivalent to five GCSEs (Level 2), while also gaining valuable work experience in the sector they are interested in. The students were recognised for exceptional progress, personal achievement, and their commitment to completing the Traineeship.
Receiving the NI Traineeship from Southern Regional College were:
- Cara Coleman from Craigavon who undertook a Carpentry and Joinery Traineeship
- Jay Dunn from Armagh who undertook the Vehicle Fitting Principles Traineeship
- Miceal Ferris from Glenanne, Armagh who undertook the Light Vehicle Traineeship
- Otas Vysniauskas from Newry who undertook the Light Vehicle Traineeship
Some 2,400 people are now studying on a NI Traineeship programme through local FE colleges. The programme was introduced in 2021 to offer a new accessible route to further study and employment, including Higher Education and apprenticeships. The Traineeships are available across 27 professions and are funded by the Department for the Economy, in line with its 10X Economic Vision and associated Skills Strategy.
Career pathways include auto electrics, joinery, animal care, professional chef, hospitality and tourism, travel and tourism, and childcare and early years. Participants on a Traineeship may be eligible for financial support through Education Maintenance Allowance or FE Grants. Hardship funds, free school meals, equipment, and travel passes may also be available.
Applications will open for September 2024 entry in February. Further details of what’s on offer at SRC is available online by searching ‘Traineeships’ on SRC’s website or the NI Direct website.
While undertaking their NI Traineeship, students explore real-world challenges developed by local employers and complete a period of structured work-related learning with an employer. Students also have the opportunity to achieve additional qualifications deemed necessary for work within their chosen sector, as well as skills valued by employers including problem-solving, teamwork and time management.
Clement Athanasiou, Head of Apprenticeships, Careers and Vocational Education at the Department for the Economy, which supported the awards, said: “Traineeships have been in place for more than two years and the fact that so many people are choosing this option across Northern Ireland demonstrates how effective they are as way to learn and progress in a career pathway. In 2021 the Department committed £180million to creating almost 20,000 Traineeship places over seven years and it is fantastic to now see participants gaining their qualifications and advancing in their careers by securing employment or moving onto further learning.”
“I am hugely encouraged by the enthusiasm and skill shown by people engaged in Traineeships and it is testament to the hard work and dedication not only of themselves but also of their educators in our local further education colleges. I also want to congratulate all of the Traineeship achievers and wish them well for the future.”
Raymond Sloan, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College further added: “Traineeships are an excellent way to equip learners with the practical skills and academic qualifications they need to succeed in their chosen careers. Learners benefit from a high-quality vocational education and training programme that combines classroom instruction with workplace experience. Since the launch of Traineeships in September 2021, we have seen a growing number of students joining us who are looking for a more dynamic, hands-on, and relevant approach to learning and work. I am very proud of all the students who have completed their Traineeship qualification and wish them all the best for their future endeavours”.
To embark upon an NI Traineeship, applicants must hold a minimum of a Level One qualification, defined as four GCSEs at grades D to G, including Maths and English grades D to E, or equivalent.
Students can contact their local SRC campus for further information on 0300 123 1223 or visit the website www.src.ac.uk. Alternatively visit www.nidirect.gov.uk and search for NI Traineeships.
