Derry Chamber has welcomed the launch of Northern Ireland’s first sector-wide digital Traineeship Prospectus, which will strengthen awareness of vocational career pathways while helping our businesses connect with the skilled workforce they need to grow.

Developed collaboratively by Northern Ireland’s six Further Education colleges, the new digital resource brings together information on 36 traineeship pathways, making it easier for young people, parents, schools and employers to understand the opportunities available through Further Education, particularly as we approach exam results days.

As employers across the North West continue to deal with skills shortages being a key barrier to growth, the Chamber believes greater visibility of vocational education pathways is essential in building a stronger talent pipeline for the region.

NI Traineeships combine industry-recognised qualifications with meaningful workplace experience, Essential Skills, sector-specific training and employability development, providing learners with clear progression routes into employment and apprenticeships.

Anna Doherty, Derry Chamber Chief Executive, said:

“For businesses across the North West, developing local talent is critical. Traineeships provide practical, work-based learning that equips individuals with the technical and transferable skills employers consistently tell us they value most.

“The easier we make it for young people and their families to understand these pathways, the stronger our future workforce will become. We therefore warmly welcome the launch of the first-ever Further Education Sector Traineeship Prospectus”.

With World Youth Skills Day 2026 taking place this week, which this year is themed “Skills for a Shared Future,” the launch also highlights the growing importance of equipping young people with the broad range of skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing economy. As digital transformation, artificial intelligence and the transition to a greener economy continue to reshape industries, investing in high-quality vocational education and work-based learning will be essential to developing the adaptable, resilient workforce that employers need.

By bringing together all Level 2 traineeship pathways into one accessible digital platform, the new prospectus also provides a valuable resource for employers seeking to understand vocational training routes and engage with future talent.

Derry Chamber encourages our local business community to work closely with education providers to support work placements, engage with trainees and help shape the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow.

The Chamber also recognises the important role that our Further Education colleges continue to play in skills development and responding to changing industry needs, and particularly the role of North West Regional College in supporting economic development across the North West.

Strengthening partnerships between education and industry remains central to economic growth, improving productivity and ensuring the North West has a future-proofed and skilled workforce.

Read the full NI Traineeship Prospectus here