Belfast-based Seetec Outsource is offering free recruitment to employers as part of its government-backed ApprenticeshipsNI programme.
The programme offers funded training for apprentices between the ages of 16 and 24. This means employers have the opportunity to take on a new apprentice for free, or train an existing employee who is in a new role and wanting to upskill, for no extra cost.
Pathways are available through Seetec at Level 2 and 3, and cover areas such as:
• Logistics Operations
• Social Media and Digital Marketing
• Aviation Operations
• Supply Chain Management
• Driving goods and vehicles
The timeframe for recruitment is usually between four and ten weeks and training can take one to two years depending on the programme.
Nathan Nesbitt (22) from Antrim is currently finishing his apprenticeship in International Trade and Logistics Operations with Johnson Stevens NI and Transocean. The idea of university didn’t appeal to him and following three years working in retail, he felt pursuing an apprenticeship was the way forward: “My apprenticeship turned out to be quite challenging but that makes it more enjoyable. The ApprenticeshipsNI programme has been very beneficial in that it is hands-on learning from peers, which I feel is irreplaceable.
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“With this apprenticeship I will receive a qualification and experience directly relevant to what my employer needs. As well as this, I have been earning while learning which is a huge bonus! I definitely feel more confident in myself and my work since starting with Johnson Stevens NI and Transocean, and I highly recommend the ApprenticeshipsNI programme to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship.”
Julian Hollywood, Managing Director of Johnson Stevens NI and Transocean, said: “The ApprenticeshipsNI programme has helped us immeasurably. We found it difficult to attract young talent to our business and saw little fresh talent coming into the shipping and freight forwarding industry. Seetec Outsource has given us the platform to get young people on board and this ensures the future of our business.
“Mentored by experienced staff, Nathan has excelled in his position. We have increased productivity while Nathan has learned the tricks of the trade, so it’s a win-win. The apprenticeship is an investment for the future and we are currently looking into introducing more young talent to our company through the ApprenticeshipsNI programme.”
Digital marketing drive at no extra cost
Aminah Amjad (24), who recently completed her Diploma in Social Media for Business, first worked as a classroom assistant. After university she wanted something that would add value to her CV: “This course has been invaluable as I have gained important digital skills which I will undoubtedly use in my career. Putting these skills to use as part of the programme meant I gained practical experience in a real, working environment.
“My Delivery Coach was great in recognising which areas I was strong in and tailored my modules accordingly, meaning I could really benefit from them, and I had a fantastic time with my employer Jourdan, a chic fashion shop that specialises in occasion wear in Belfast.”
Aminah Amjad
Joseph McMeekin, Seetec Apprenticeship Delivery Coach added: “The diverse options available through Seetec’s ApprenticehipsNI programme are a fantastic way in which employers can upskill their existing workforce or bring in a new member of staff. An apprentice can help with digital marketing, logistics, operations, and a host of other skills, and it is crucial that businesses stay current and attract new, young talent to their industries.”
To date, a total of 50 employers in Northern Ireland have benefited from working with Seetec and the ApprenticeshipsNI programme. The programme is available to any business wishing to add value to its workforce through practical, work-based learning.
For more information about hiring an apprentice in Social Media for Business or Digital Marketing, see Seetec’s website: https://www.seetec.co.uk/employer/digitalni
