The Department for the Economy (DfE) formally announced the introduction of All Age Apprenticeships on Thursday 7th September, which aims to “provide opportunities for more people to embark on a career of their choice”.  The new initiative expands DfE funded apprenticeships to those aged 25 and over.

TTS was honoured to host the DfE at its Nutts Corner training facility for the official launch at which the Department’s Head of Skills and Education, Moira Doherty, said:

“Apprenticeships are an excellent way to develop talent and offer real benefits to both the individual and the employer. This new initiative will significantly widen access to skilled jobs across our economy and increase the supply skills…I encourage employers to consider how apprenticeships can be central to developing their future talent pipeline, which is essential to long term growth. I also urge those thinking of a career change or re-engaging with the labour market to consider how an apprenticeship can open doors to a new career, and allow them to gain industry-relevant skills whilst earning a wage.”

Michael Strain, CEO of TTS, added:

“TTS welcomes the department’s decision to launch All Age Apprenticeships and recognises the opportunities this presents for people to upskill or reskill into a rewarding career in the automotive, transportation and logistics industries that we currently work in.  This now means that apprenticeships in the Transport Sector are no longer for school leavers. The launch of All Age Apprenticeships opens up funded training for all across our industry, creating a win-win scenario for the employer, employee and the economy.  We look forward to delivering apprenticeships to people of all ages across Northern Ireland in the coming months and years.”

To find out more about any TTS apprenticeship, please contact Robert Deignan, Careers Development Officer, on tel 028 9082 5653 or via email at robertd@transporttraining.org.