Early talent experts Workplus have announced 100 apprenticeship opportunities in this year’s ‘Get a Head Start’ campaign, which encourages applications from both school leavers and career changers.
Applications have just opened for dozens of apprenticeship roles across the sectors and at various levels.
As well as being a campaign to encourage applications, ‘Get a Head Start’ aims to highlight the many benefits of apprenticeships and inform society of the breadth of pathways available.
Over the coming weeks, there will be both virtual and in-person events taking place as well an online campaign including apprentice, parent and employer blogs.
People can apply at workplus.app from January 15 to February 23.
Opportunities, including higher level apprenticeships, are available in areas such as software development, engineering, banking and customer operations.
Richard Kirk, chief executive of Workplus, established the company to make the early talent space easier to navigate for employers as well as applicants.
He said: “We know the early talent space can sometimes feel confusing. This campaign reflects our collaborative, coordinated approach to the apprenticeship system. It is in place to help both applicants and employers, with the opportunities detailed in one marketplace-style platform.”
He added, “We are pleased to have so many apprenticeship opportunities across growing sectors and at various levels. The companies we are working with are committed to nurturing early talent and it’s clear the benefits are mutual. The apprentices we are speaking to are thriving – enjoying the blend of work, earning a salary and continued education. For the employers, they can shape and mould early talent which in turn contributes to higher retention and a richer company culture.”
Clement Athanasiou, director of apprenticeships, careers and vocational education at the Department for the Economy, said: “Apprenticeships bring significant benefits to employers across all sectors and provide high quality opportunities for participants of all ages. The ‘Get A Head Start’ campaign complements the Department’s priority to grow the apprenticeship system and widen apprenticeship opportunities to more people.”
Rather than applying to companies directly, applicants can apply for multiple opportunities by completing one application through Workplus.
Events taking place during the campaign include an apprenticeship clinic, an event for apprentices and an Open Night at AIB for aspiring apprentices, parents and carers.
Workplus is a membership network with 40 member companies, from large multi-nationals to thriving small businesses.
Workplus runs two application campaigns each year, one in Jan-Feb and then one in the August.
An apprenticeship is a blend of work and continued education, gaining recognised qualifications. An apprentice typically spends 80% of their working week in the workplace, and 20% in classroom-based learning through a college, university or training provider.
