With over 35% of vacancies unfilled due to skill gaps – equating to approximately 20,000 roles – the session was an opportunity to discuss the changes needed to streamline the apprenticeship system and unlock its full potential.
Our CEO, Richard Kirk, delivered a clear message: “Northern Ireland is facing a skills crisis, and apprenticeships are a key solution to this problem. But to accelerate adoption with employers, the whole process needs to be easier to navigate, with better communication around the considerable benefits and tailored support to meet employer needs.”
The session featured impactful contributions from across the apprenticeship ecosystem: apprentices, educators, and employers. Their perspectives helped paint a holistic picture of how apprenticeships benefit individuals, businesses, and the broader economy.
Oscar Daly, a Higher Level Software Engineering apprentice at Instil, shared his journey. As the founder of the NI Apprenticeship Society, Oscar highlighted how apprenticeships offer young people a debt–free pathway to gaining invaluable experience. He said: “I’ve been able to gain four years’ experience in my dream job while applying my learning from university within a local company. Workplus made finding the right employer and navigating the application process simple and seamless.”
Patrick English, Head of Careers at Wellington College Belfast, emphasised the growing appetite for apprenticeships among students. “There is a growing understanding of the breadth of pathway options for all academic abilities. Apprenticeships are a wonderful option for young people to progress into Higher Education without the worry of student debt,” he said. Patrick highlighted how apprenticeships complement traditional academic pathways, providing a hands–on route into meaningful careers.
Shauna Herron, Managing Director of Environmental Techniques, spoke about the challenges and opportunities for small and medium–sized enterprises. She praised Workplus for its collaborative approach, saying: “As an SME, having Workplus’ support in school engagement, marketing campaigns, and apprenticeship recruitment is vital. This collaborative approach makes it easier for employers to connect with aspiring apprentices.”
Richard too underscored the importance of supporting employers, saying: “We are singular and obsessed about the employer experience. We want to solve the apprenticeship problem for small businesses.” He also highlighted Workplus’ unique selling point: a coordinated, time–saving one–stop shop that connects businesses with the right pathways and talent to address their skills needs.
In his closing remarks, Acting Chair of the Committee for the Economy, Jonathan Buckley said: “If I could have thought of a model to address our problems, Workplus would be it.”
The positive reception from the Committee for the Economy reinforces our belief that apprenticeships are not just an alternative but a cornerstone of a thriving economy.
To view the Workplus session to the Committee for the Economy, click this link.
