Work-Based Learning
Work-based learning is the term that is used to refer to courses, such as Traineeships and Apprenticeships, that provide you with real-life work experiences whilst applying academic and technical skills to enhance your employment opportunities.
What is a Traineeship?
A traineeship is a programme designed to help you prepare for a career in an area that interests you. It combines practical, hands-on work experience within your chosen industry with the development of the personal and employability skills valued by employers. You will also be able to improve your English and Maths skills.
The NI Traineeship is available to school leavers and adults who wish to develop the skills, knowledge, and qualifications needed to work in a specific sector. Each traineeship is designed in partnership with employers to ensure that the learning and skills gained reflect current industry needs. Completion of an NI Traineeship can lead directly to employment or provide progression opportunities to a level 3 apprenticeship or further education at level 3.
An NI Traineeship programme includes the following key elements:
- A main professional and technical qualification in a chosen occupational area
- Skills development, including digital skills
- Transversal and employability skills
- A mandatory work placement
- Literacy and numeracy qualifications at level 2, which may include GCSE English and Mathematics
- Additional sector-specific qualifications, such as Health and Safety, CSR, or manual handling
- Project-based learning, which encourages active participation, deeper subject knowledge, and the development of practical, hands-on skills
Duration
NI Traineeships typically take one or two years to complete on a full-time basis, depending on the subject chosen. Please refer to our individual course pages for specific course durations.
Preparing for Work
As well as training you in skills for your chosen area of work, you will also be helped to develop personal skills that employers look for, such as:
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Time management
- Entrepreneurship
Project Based Learning which is also a key feature of NI Traineeships, will help you explore real-world problems and challenges that have been developed with employers. With this type of active and engaged learning, you will be inspired to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects you are studying and develop a wide range of hands-on skills.
Entry Requirements
Applicants will be required to achieve a minimum of a level 1 qualification which is defined as 4 GCSEs at grades D-G including maths and English grades D-F (or equivalent). Enhanced entry grades for maths and English apply in certain subject areas. These will be discussed with the applicant after an application has been made.
Enhanced grades are shown in the table below.
| Professional/Technical Area | GCSE Maths Grade | GCSE English Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Care | D | D |
| Art and Design | E | E |
| Barbering | D | D |
| Beauty Therapy | D | D |
| Brickwork | D | E |
| Business Admin | E | D |
| Carpentry and Joinery | D | E |
| Childcare | D | D |
| Engineering | D | D |
| Hairdressing | D | D |
| Health and Social Care | D | D |
| Hospitality | E | E |
| IT | D | D |
| Creative Media | D | E |
| Light Vehicle | D | D |
| Plumbing | D | D |
| Professional Chef | E | E |
| Science | D | E |
If you do not meet the enhanced entry criteria, your application will be reviewed by the course team and your options discussed. During the application process you should apply for the Level 2 course.
Progression
On successful completion of the full NI Traineeship, you will receive a ‘Traineeship Diploma’ equivalent to five GCSEs at grades A*- C (including English and maths qualifications at level 2).
All trainees who achieve received either a Diploma, Certificate or Award. Many trainees will be eligible to progress to either a Level 3 Further Education course or a Level 3 Apprenticeship. This can in turn lead to higher education opportunities.
Transfer
Trainees who secure employment in their chosen occupational area during their traineeship, can transfer seamlessly to an apprenticeship at level 2. As an apprentice, if you become unemployed during your apprenticeship, you can transfer onto a traineeship to complete your programme.
Traineeship Options
Animal Care
Art and Design
Barbering
Beauty Therapy
Brickwork
Business Admin
Carpentry and Joinery
Childcare
Creative Media
Engineering
Hairdressing
Hospitality
Health and Social Care
IT
Light Vehicle
Plumbing
Professional Chef
Science
Financial Support
Trainees are entitled to the same support as any other full-time further education student.
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
Trainees aged 16–19 may be eligible for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), a means-tested payment of £30 per week. Payments are subject to full attendance across all subject areas, including work placement, with additional bonuses available for achieving qualifications. EMA Application forms are available online.
Further Education Grant
Trainees can apply for a means tested FE Grant of up to £2,092 per year which is non-repayable. The deadline to be guaranteed support is 30th June although applications are open until the 30th September.
Care to Learn
If you are or become a parent and are aged between 16 and 19 at the start of your traineeship, you may be entitled to assistance with childcare costs.
Hardship Fund
Students aged 18 or over on 1 July in their year of entry and who are experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for support from the College’s Hardship Fund. Support is means tested and only available once all other funding options have been explored. Childcare costs may be covered where support is not available through the FE Award or Care to Learn.
Travel/Bus Pass
Trainees may apply for a bus pass through the Education Authority (EA) if they are under 19 on 1 July at year of entry, enrolled on a traineeship, and live at least 3 miles from their nearest college. Travel costs to work placement will also be reimbursed.
Free School Meals
Trainees under 18 years of age on 31st July at the year of entry, may be entitled to free school meals. Applications must be made by your parent or guardian to the Education Authority. School meal tickets will be available from campus receptions.
Other Assistance
Online Learning
If you are required to engage with online learning, the College may help you with this through the loan of IT equipment.
Job Related Equipment
Trainees will receive free Health and Safety Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (where required). There may also be a requirement for trainees on Health and Social Care courses to be vaccinated when undertaking placements in hospital settings.
Pastoral Care
Like all students, trainees will receive a high level of pastoral care from College staff with appropriate support mechanisms in place. More details can be found on the ‘Support’ section of our website.
Republic of Ireland (ROI) Trainees
ROI applicants are eligible to apply for a Traineeship. You may be eligible to apply for Back to Education support if you are currently in receipt of a social welfare payment.
Employer Support
Our Employer Guide to Traineeships provides an overview of NI Traineeships including the range of traineeships available, how they align with apprenticeships and our most frequently asked questions.
The details set out above may be subject to change by the Department for the Economy.
For further information please contact:
Sean McAleese, Training Manager
028 2544 1906 or 07554 118467
sean.mcaleese@nrc.ac.uk
