Local vocational education and training (VET) programmes serve as a valuable skills development pathway to improve the transition from school to work. Within the VET system, apprenticeship programmes mix on-the-job training with classroom-based learning.

DE Department of Education

The Northern Ireland economy has recovered relatively well after the 2008 economic recession, with the unemployment rate sitting at 4.7% in 2017, close to the pre-crisis level. While unemployment is improving, Northern Ireland still has an economic inactivity rate of 28%, which remains persistently above the average of 22% for the United Kingdom (UK). Globalisation, automation and digitalisation will continue to change labour market demands as well as the skills required of people entering employment. Apprenticeship programmes can reduce skills mismatches, and provide a smoother transition into the labour market.

Northern Ireland has made significant strides to improve the overall engagement of employers with the skills system. The Success through Skills and Securing Our Success strategies implemented new initiatives to ‘put employers in the driving seat’. Achieving such ambitious objectives requires a responsive education and training system that prepares the workforce for the skills needed in today and tomorrow’s labour market. Automation and digitalisation will continue to alter the labour market in Northern Ireland, requiring new and innovative approaches to training targeted to both youth entering the labour market as well as existing workers in at risk jobs.

This chapter provides an overview of recent economic and labour market trends in Northern Ireland. While the 2008 economic crisis hit Northern Ireland particularly strongly, since 2015 the overall economy has seen improvements on a number of economic and employment indicators. Notably, the unemployment rate of 4.7% is very close to the UK average. Recently, Northern Ireland has introduced a new strategy to increase the number of people participating in apprenticeship programmes. Overall enrolment in apprenticeship has increased since 2012 reaching 6 500 registrations in 2016-17.

This chapter presents findings from the OECD employer survey that was conducted in Northern Ireland. Based on responses received from 127 employers, the results provide useful insights on employers experience with apprenticeship programmes as well as their barriers to training. In addition, it provides information on employers’ perception of the Apprenticeship Levy scheme and its implementation in Northern Ireland.

This chapter highlights examples of programmes in Northern Ireland that aim to engage employers in vocational education and training delivery. It also highlights recent initiatives to develop a national strategy for career guidance as well as better anticipate the future skills needs of the Northern Irish economy. It also provide an overview of recent actions by District Councils to implement local employment and skills strategies.