Traineeship starts increase by 77%
Date published:
New official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Department for the Economy present data on Traineeships (Level 2) delivered in Further Education colleges in Northern Ireland for academic year 2024/25.
Key findings:
- In 2024/25, 3,180 individuals started a Level 2 Traineeship programme, an increase of 1,380 compared to 1,800 starts in 2023/24. This represents annual growth of 77%.
- The gap between male and female Traineeship starts has closed, with both sexes now equally represented: 1,580 females and 1,600 males.
- The majority of Traineeship starts (89%) were aged 18 or under.
- South Eastern Regional College recorded the highest number of starts, accounting for 26% (830 starts) of the total.
- Two-thirds (66%) of students chose a one-year programme rather than a two-year option.
- Childcare and Hairdressing were the most popular occupational areas, with 310 (10%) and 275 (9%) starts respectively.
- In total, 3,680 students were enrolled on a Traineeship programme, including 3,180 new starts and 500 in year two.
- Four in five (81%) final year Traineeship students achieved either full or partial achievement in their qualification.
About the publication
This is the fourth annual publication of Traineeships statistics for Northern Ireland. The report provides detailed analysis of student starts, participation, and performance on Level 2 Traineeship programmes delivered at all six Further Education colleges. Traineeships typically take one to two years to complete and offer the opportunity to achieve a qualification equivalent to up to five GCSEs at grade C or above, including maths and English. The programme commenced in academic year 2021/22.
Further information
Read the full report: Traineeships (Level 2) Northern Ireland, Academic Year 2024/25
View data tables and background information: Traineeships (Level 2) NI, academic year 2024/25