Pictured: Jordan McElwee (right), currently completing a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Computing (FD) with Fujitsu, pictured alongside his mentor, Daithi McGonigal.

As students across the North West reflect on their GCSE and A-Level results, Derry Chamber looks with excitement to this group of future workers and learners for the region.

The Chamber particularly welcome the Department for the Economy’s new Apprenticeship Action Plan, which could serve as a significant boost for both students and employers in the North West.

Launched by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, the Action Plan sets out an ambitious programme to improve and grow apprenticeships, ensuring that businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to large employers, have access to a stronger pipeline of skilled workers. With measures to make the system more inclusive, the plan will also broaden participation from under-represented groups, helping employers tap into a more diverse talent pool.

Anna Doherty, Chief Executive of Derry Chamber, said:

“Employers across the North West regularly tell us that access to talent is one of their biggest challenges. Apprenticeships and Higher Level Apprenticeships are central to addressing that challenge. They allow businesses to train people in the exact skills they need, while also offering students and career-changers a direct route into high-value employment.

“The Department’s new Apprenticeship Action Plan is a welcome commitment to strengthening this system, and it has the potential to deliver real economic benefits for our region.”

Apprenticeship programmes are already making a difference for North West businesses in sectors such as  advanced manufacturing, health and social care, digital industries, and the green economy. By working in partnership with Further Education Colleges like North West Regional College (NWRC), employers gain access to tailored training that reflects real business needs.

Orlaith McEleney, HLA Skills Development Officer at North West Regional College, added:

“We work with hundreds of employers each year across the North West, and the feedback is consistent – apprenticeships help them grow. Whether it’s taking on a school-leaver in a trade, upskilling existing staff through Higher Level Apprenticeships, or filling specialist and technical roles, these programmes allow businesses to shape highly skilled workforces.

“We will continue to work closely with the North West business community to ensure that local companies maintain a high confidence in their ability to recruit and retain skilled staff through NWRC.”

The Department for the Economy invests more than £48 million annually in apprenticeship training, with the new Action Plan introducing measures such as shared apprenticeship models for SMEs, sectoral partnerships to design industry-relevant frameworks, and enhanced guidance for employers.

The Chamber views apprenticeship programmes as a key pillar in shaping the region’s future talent pipeline, ensuring that local businesses have the skills they need to thrive and compete. We encourage our members and local businesses to explore how apprenticeships and HLAs could benefit their workforce, both now and in the years ahead.

See the action plan here: Apprenticeship Action Plan | Department for the Economy