New figures show strong growth in university-delivered apprenticeships, although participation remains uneven across subjects and demographic groups.

Higher Level Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly important route into higher education, allowing people to gain a recognised qualification while remaining in paid employment.

New Department for the Economy figures show that 1,120 students participated in Level 6 and Level 7 Higher Level Apprenticeships at Northern Ireland’s universities during 2024/25. This was an annual increase of 26% and almost three times the 405 participants recorded in 2020/21.

There were 390 new starts during the year, up 14% from 2023/24, while 160 students successfully completed their qualification.

Business and management remained the most popular subject area, accounting for 470 participants or 42% of the total. Broad science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects accounted for 645 participants, demonstrating the importance of HLAs in developing technical and professional skills.

Among new entrants, engineering and technology starts increased from 55 to 85, while business and management rose from 125 to 170. Computing starts, however, fell from 90 to 50. As apprenticeship opportunities are closely connected to employer recruitment and demand, annual changes may reflect wider labour market conditions.

The figures also highlight continuing participation gaps. There were 235 male starts compared with 155 female starts, while only 35 Northern Ireland-domiciled entrants came from the most deprived areas.

For employers, Higher Level Apprenticeships provide a practical route to recruit talent, address skills shortages and support the development of existing employees. Continued collaboration between businesses, universities and skills providers will be essential to widening participation and ensuring that provision responds to the needs of the economy.

Read the full Department for the Economy publication.