Retail apprenticeships – something to look in to as Apprenticeship Week launcheded

Economy Minister Diane Dodds today announced that the second annual Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week will take place from 26 to 30 April 2021.

Led by the Department for the Economy, the annual week-long celebration aims to raise the profile of apprenticeships across Northern Ireland by bringing together partners including local councils, employers, universities, further education colleges and private training providers.

Through a series of mostly virtual events, the week will demonstrate the benefits of becoming an apprentice, and showcase how apprenticeships can work to strengthen and grow businesses, communities and the wider economy.

Launching NI Apprenticeship Week, Economy Minister Diane Dodds said:

“Employers can strengthen and grow their teams with an apprentice, thereby developing the skills of our people right across Northern Ireland. Skills are a key priority for me as we begin the process of rebuilding our economy and I am determined to keep apprenticeships at the centre of our long term strategic plans.’’

A dedicated website giving details of virtual events happening across Northern Ireland is at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/apprenticeship-week-events . Apprenticeship partners are invited to get involved by hosting their own apprenticeship events or in collaboration with others. Anyone who would like to get involved should contact the Department by email at: ApprenticeWeek@economy-ni.gov.uk.

Central to the NI Apprenticeship Week will be the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2021 which aims to recognise excellence in apprenticeships and culminates in a virtual awards ceremony on Wednesday 28 April 2021. Following the launch of the Awards on 16 December 2020 the three finalists for each of the award categories have now been selected.