62 national apprenticeship programmes are currently operational: this includes 25 craft apprenticeships and 37 apprenticeships introduced since 2016. In addition, 17 further programmes are currently in development in sectors such as agriculture, ICT, hospitality, construction, engineering, and commercial driving.
At the end of November 2021 there were a total of 23,459 registered apprentices, of these 20,218 were craft apprentices, all of who undertake a minimum 208 week (4 year) apprenticeship which consists of four on-the-job phases and three off-the-job phases of training.
The following table shows the number of craft apprentices with a registration date prior to 2018. Of the 3,139 apprentices listed, 152 had a registration date prior to 2011 and 259 had a registration date between 2011-2015. 404 apprentices registered in 2016 and 2,324 registered in 2017.
Apprenticeships registered prior to 2018
Apprenticeship
|
Total
|
Agricultural Mechanics
|
10
|
Aircraft Mechanics
|
35
|
Brick and Stonelaying
|
33
|
Carpentry and Joinery
|
245
|
Construction Plant Fitting
|
23
|
Electrical
|
1,496
|
Electrical Instrumentation
|
137
|
Electronic Security Systems
|
21
|
Farriery
|
8
|
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics
|
69
|
Industrial Insulation
|
5
|
Instrumentation
|
15
|
M.A.M.F.
|
89
|
Metal Fabrication
|
161
|
Motor Mechanics
|
237
|
Painting and Decorating
|
26
|
Pipefitting
|
7
|
Plastering
|
24
|
Plumbing
|
317
|
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
|
49
|
Sheet Metalworking
|
29
|
Stonecutting and Stonemasonry
|
5
|
Toolmaking
|
23
|
Vehicle Body Repairs
|
30
|
Wood Manufacturing and Finishing
|
44
|
Total
|
3,139
|
The figures reflect a range of circumstances arising where apprentices may leave their apprenticeship or defer elements of their apprenticeship for various reasons and then re-engage with their apprenticeship at a later date.