Apprenticeship glossary

Department for the Economy

What does Department for the Economy mean?

The Northern Ireland government department responsible for apprenticeships there, including Apprenticeships NI and Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Find out more

Guide Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland Apprenticeships NI at Levels 2 and 3, Higher Level Apprenticeships from Level 4 to 7, who can apply, which colleges and universities deliver them, and the latest numbers. Applies to: Northern Ireland
Apprenticeships NI
Northern Ireland's programme for Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships, open to anyone 16 or over who has a job or an employer willing to take them on.
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Northern Ireland's apprenticeships from Level 4 to Level 7. They let you get qualifications up to Master's level without paying higher education tuition fees.
Apprenticeship framework
The set of qualifications and standards an apprenticeship is built around. Northern Ireland, for example, has frameworks for each of its Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships.
Careers Service (Northern Ireland)
The free, impartial careers advice service in Northern Ireland, which can help you choose an apprenticeship.
Common Travel Area
An arrangement between the UK and Ireland. It means Republic of Ireland nationals are eligible for Higher Level Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland, if they meet the other rules.
nidirect
Northern Ireland's official government website, with the official information on apprenticeships there.

Definitions are our own plain-English summaries. Where we give figures, they come from the official sources listed on the linked guide or profile. Rules can change, so check the official source before you make decisions.