Operational Delivery Apprenticeship scheme launched

Date published: 06 September 2021

Finance Minister Conor Murphy has launched a new Operational Delivery Apprenticeship scheme for the Civil Service.

Finance Minister Conor Murphy launches apprenticeship scheme
Finance Minister Conor Murphy with Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey and Economy Minister Gordon Lyons

Speaking as he was joined by both Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey and Economy Minister Gordon Lyons to launch the scheme, Minister Murphy encouraged people to consider applying for a place as the first step to a rewarding career within the Civil Service.

He said: “This scheme is a great way to get involved in customer-facing roles in the Civil Service delivering and supporting essential frontline services.

“You will earn a salary, develop skills and gain a recognised qualification with a guaranteed permanent role within the Civil Service on successful completion of the apprenticeship.

“So if you want to play a part in making a real difference to people’s lives, you are starting out in employment, returning to the workplace or changing your job role, I’d encourage you to consider applying for this Civil Service apprenticeship scheme.”

There are 45 places on the scheme across the NICS, the majority of which will be within the Department for Communities.

Welcoming the scheme, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “I am delighted to be able to launch the Operational Delivery Apprenticeship Scheme today and I am very proud that my own department will play a key role in providing these opportunities for apprentices to begin a career in the civil service.

“Operational Delivery staff deliver essential services and advice to people every day and they play a vital role ensuring that people get access to the services they need.”

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons, whose Department takes lead responsibility for the policy on apprenticeships, said: “I very much welcome the launch of this Civil Service apprenticeship scheme. Apprenticeship schemes such as this provide a way to grow skills and support opportunities for new employment and re-training within the wider public sector.

“The provision of apprenticeships across all sectors and ages is key to economic recovery as they provide individuals, who are most likely to be impacted by recession, with employment and opportunity, whilst also equipping them with the skills business require to increase productivity and rebuild our economy.

“My Department’s Economic Recovery Action Plan recognises that skills are a key driver of economic growth and provide a powerful tool to promote individual opportunity and social inclusion. This is especially true for apprenticeships that will meet specific skills needs and provide a route into many careers across the economy.”

Applications for the scheme open on 6th September. Further details can be found at www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk/apprenticeships

Notes to editors: 

  1. The apprenticeship scheme lasts for 2 years with a guaranteed job as an Administrative Officer within the Civil Service on successful completion of the apprenticeship.
  2. Apprentices will achieve a Level 3 qualification in Operational Delivery through our training partner Belfast Metropolitan College. They will be allocated one day per week to complete their academic qualifications and will be supported by the college, their line manager and their mentor throughout the scheme as they work towards their qualification.
  3. The salary is  £18,597 (under review) rising to £22,296 (under review) on successful completion.
  4. No previous experience or qualifications are necessary as full training is provided.
  5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
  6. Follow us on Twitter @dptfinance

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