Apprenticeships are a proven way for businesses to address skill shortages, build a loyal workforce, and inject new energy and innovation into their teams. In a climate where many industries are facing skills gaps and rising recruitment challenges, apprenticeships are an impactful solution for your business to explore.

This year’s Apprenticeship Week, running from 3-7 February, offers a series of events which aim to showcase the benefits of apprenticeships and connect employers with the resources and networks they need to succeed.

Kicking off events hosted by the Labour Market Partnership, Derry and Strabane District Council and the Department for Communities is the Apprenticeship Lunch for Employers at the BEAM Social Enterprise Centre on Wednesday 5th February 2025, from 12:15 pm to 2:00 pm. This interactive event will feature expert speakers on apprenticeships and provide valuable networking opportunities with Labour Market Partnership representatives, DfC Employer Services, and local training providers.

The Apprenticeship Brunch for Employers, takes place on Thursday 6th February 2025 at the Guildhall in Derry. From 11:00am to 12:30pm, this brunch will bring together local employers to learn from apprenticeship experts about the benefits of hiring apprentices.

Rounding off the series is the Fairways to Your Future: Strabane Apprenticeship Lunch Expo, held at Strabane Golf Club on Friday 7th February 2025 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.

Also taking place during Apprenticeship Week is a series of events hosted by the North West Regional College showcasing their industry leading teaching and first-class apprenticeship talent. Come along on February 4th to the NWRC Apprenticeship Showcase that will take place at the Springtown Campus.

This will be followed by the Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) Employer Coffee Morning on February 5th, where employers can discover how HLAs can elevate their workforce by providing access to advanced skills and training.

Finally, on February 6th, the NWRC Apprenticeship Showcase will continue at their Greystone Campus, offering another opportunity for attendees to learn about the wide range of apprenticeships available.

Dr. Catherine O’Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards at NWRC, said:

“NWRC is delighted to be part of this series of events across Northern Ireland bringing together partners and stakeholders committed to the development and delivery of apprenticeships.

“Our courses include a wide range of employment opportunities. Apprenticeship training combines employed status, earning while you learn with obtaining knowledge and skills in state-of-the-art facilities at the college and gaining further training and experience in employment.

“All apprenticeships are open to applicants aged 16, subject to entry criteria, I encourage anyone interested in starting or returning to education to attend our showcases and learn more about the opportunities available.”

Craft Training will also host Open Days during Apprenticeship Week, with events taking place in Strabane and Omagh on Monday, February 3rd, and in Derry on Wednesday, February 5th.

These events aim to highlight the value of apprenticeships as a pathway to success for both individuals and businesses in the North West.

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