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The north's six Further Education colleges have launched a new digital prospectus designed to guide learners through the full range of NI Traineeships on offer. The one-stop resource covers all thirty-six Traineeship pathways, including entry requirements, progression routes and a dedicated section for parents.
NI Traineeships combine professional and technical qualifications with work placements, Essential Skills in literacy and numeracy, sector-specific training and the development of transversal and employability skills. Described as a well-established pathway, they are intended to equip learners with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress into employment, apprenticeships or further study, offering what is described as a dynamic and supportive route to career success.
The shared digital prospectus was produced collectively by the FE sector as a means of raising awareness and understanding of Traineeships as a route into employment and further study. By working together, the colleges are aiming to present a unified message about the opportunities available to learners and the role Traineeships play in addressing skills needs in key sectors of the economy, with the broader aim of strengthening the profile of vocational education and helping young people and their families recognise the value of industry-relevant skills and practical experience.
Janis Scallon, Director of Further Education with the Department for the Economy, described the launch as a significant milestone. She said: "The development and launch of the new NI Traineeship Prospectus is a significant milestone in the rollout of Traineeships as the flagship FE offer at Level 2 for learners wishing to embark on a wide range of vocational careers. This is the result of sector wide collaboration and expertise and the prospectus provides a really helpful one-stop-resource for learners, parents and guardians, teachers and employers. I would strongly encourage anybody thinking about a Traineeship as a next step to check out the prospectus and reach out to your local FE college."
Celine McCartan, Chairperson of the Further Education Principals Group, welcomed the resource. She said: "I am delighted to welcome this prospectus, which showcases the breadth and quality of Traineeship opportunities available through our six Further Education Colleges and reflects the strong collaborative approach being taken across the sector. By bringing Level 2 vocational education routes together in one accessible digital resource, we are making it easier for learners, parents, schools and employers to explore what is available and identify the option that best matches each learner's interests, ambitions and career goals. Traineeships provide pathways into Apprenticeships, further training and higher levels of study, while combining practical experience with recognised qualifications and the skills employers value most. They support learners to take their next step and enhance the skills needs of our economy."
The digital NI Traineeship prospectus is available to view at www.src.ac.uk
