Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a great way to gain the skills and technical knowledge that you will need in your chosen career path without the need for full time attendance at a college or university. They represent an alternative way of learning from full time classroom based studies and you will spend a large proportion of your time in a job working alongside and learning from your skilled colleagues.

Apprenticeships cover a wide range of occupations including the traditional construction trades, engineering, catering and hairdressing. However, you can have an apprenticeship in just about any occupation and the Apprenticeship Team will be happy to discuss any ideas you have and, if necessary, assist your employer in putting together a bespoke package to meet your training requirements.

Examples of apprenticeships currently supported by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture:

Accountancy
Carpet Fitting
Childcare
Care for the Elderly
Construction Apprenticeships, including:
- Plumbing
- Carpentry & Joinery
- Electrical Installation
- Bricklaying
- Painting & Decorating
- Wall & Floor Tiling
- Plastering
- Roofing
- Scaffolding
- Fenestrating
- Building Technician

Dental Nurse
Dental Technician
Electrical Engineering
Engineering
Farming
Finance
Fishing
Gardening
Greenkeeping
Hairdressing
Health & Beauty
Hospitality & Catering
ICT
Motor Body Repair
Motor Vehicle Mechanic
Printing
Veterinary Nurse

Throughout your apprenticeship you will be paid a wage by your employer whilst you're learning your occupation. Typically, an apprenticeship lasts between 2 - 4 years, depending on the prior skills or previous experience of the individual, and also the requirements of the industry sector. But do bear in mind that an apprenticeship will require a big commitment from you, both in terms of effort and time!

There is no upper age limit for an apprenticeship, and they are open to anyone aged 16 years or over, so whether you are just leaving school, seeking a new career or even moving into a new role with your existing employer, an apprenticeship could be your best route to formal, industry recognised qualifications.

If you're serious about getting involved in our apprenticeship programme you'll benefit greatly from firstly doing some research into the occupation that you're interested in and find out:

if it’s actually what you want to do
what will be required of you by an employer
whether you’ve got what it takes to operate within your chosen industry
what employment opportunities exist
what your earning potential is likely to be, considering long term salary prospects

Once you've done this you'll then need to get a job with an employer who is willing to train you within your chosen trade or career* and once you have this in place you'll be eligible to join the apprenticeship scheme. The next step will be to contact the Apprenticeship Team who will advise you as to what courses you'll need to attend and what the next steps are in formalising your apprenticeship.

The Apprenticeship Team are available at any time to answer any queries or questions you may have regarding apprenticeships and can be contacted by either phoning +44 1624 685808 or by emailing: admin@doe.gov.im

*Those interested in an apprenticeship in one for the following trades will initially be required to apply to the University College Isle of Man who will put you through a selection process to determine your suitability for the course: