Benefits - Northern Ireland

The right training will help businesses improve efficiency while increasing the value of their staff and boosting morale.

Introducing Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are Government-backed work-based training programmes specifically tailored to meet the skills needs of employers. The right training will help businesses improve efficiency while increasing the value of employees and boosting morale.

Food and Drink Apprenticeships mix industry-recognised qualifications with on-the-job training to provide employees with the skills they need for their role from production and operations to higher technical and commercial areas.

Training built around your business

Apprenticeships are a great choice for businesses of all shapes and sizes and offer complete
flexibility – choose full or part time, or cherry-pick individual elements to fit around training programmes.

Baking
Meat and Poultry
Fish and Shellfish
Milling
Dairy
Brewing
Food Industry Skills
Food Manufacturing Excellence
Fresh Produce
Livestock Droving

Great for your bottom line

Businesses have real returns on their bottom line which helps them become more competitive. Employees with the right skills can perform a wider range of tasks and take on new responsibilities. Not only does this increase productivity it has many other benefits including filling skills gaps, minimizing staff turnover, reducing workplace accidents, and increase productivity. Furthermore, developing existing employees is more cost-effective than hiring new ones, so businesses save on recruitment costs too.

Plan for future success

Our Apprenticeships are designed specifically around the Food and Drink industries and its unique sectors. This gives businesses the specialist skills they need to be competitive by keeping employees up-to-date such as with emerging technology, knowhow and working practices.

80% of employers with apprentices say they make their workplace more productive.

Motivate your workforce

Businesses report that they find apprentices to be more motivated, flexible and loyal. Whether they’re a new starter or have been employed for many years each apprentice has demonstrated a commitment to their employer and to furthering their career in the Food and Drink industry.

See immediate benefits

Because Apprenticeships are tailored to a specific role, employers do not have to wait until the programme is complete to see benefits. Whatever an apprentice learns can be put into practice straight away. Apprenticeships are for anyone and everyone; they are available for new and long-serving employees at any career stage regardless of age, experience or qualifications.

Apprenticeships are for anyone and everyone Apprenticeships are available for new and long-serving employees, at any stage of their career, regardless of their age, experience or qualifications.

What can apprentices learn?

Apprenticeships are much more than simply learning one set of skills for a specific job. Frameworks are designed to give apprentices a much broader understanding of the industry, their individual role and organisation, as well as fundamental skills that are useful at work and beyond.

Industry skills and knowledge: At the heart of every food and drink Apprenticeship is the brand new, industry-recognised ‘Improve Proficiency Qualification’ (IPQ). This competency-based qualification is designed to develop and ensure an individual’s skills and knowledge in a specific role.

Functional Skills:

 These focus on ensuring that apprentices have the appropriate levels of numeracy and literacy to support them in their roles. NB ICT also required with Higher Apprenticeships.

Employment skills:

These ensure that apprentices understand their roles, understand how to commit to learning and develop personal skills.

What will it cost?

The cost of an Apprenticeship depends on the level of training and assessment required. Funding is also available where an employer or a training provider has a funding contract
to support Apprenticeships – the amount depends on the apprentice’s age and previous qualifications.

• Apprenticeships for 16-18 year olds are usually free.
• Apprenticeships for 19-24 year olds are part funded and may also require a contribution from employers.
• Apprenticeships for over 25 year olds are eligible for funding but may need a larger contribution from their employers.

How are Apprenticeships delivered?

Apprenticeships are widely available but the very best universities, local colleges and private institutions are approved by the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink. Our network of training specialists can tailor their methods to suit your individual business needs – offering the whole package in a classroom or fitting elements neatly into your existing training programmes and delivering all or parts conveniently at your place. It really is that flexible.