19/08/2026
APPRENTICESHIP PLACES MUST MATCH DEMAND
I have been contacted by many parents trying to secure apprenticeship places for their sons and daughters. Local employers are also inundated with requests, particularly for electrical, mechanical, plumbing and refrigeration apprenticeships.
Employers want to develop the next generation of skilled workers, but the cost of employing, training and supervising an apprentice is extremely challenging—and they now receive no financial assistance.
The shortage of major projects and lack of government investment in the North of Ireland add to the problem. Many Mid Ulster contractors now work mainly in Dublin, Scotland and London, making it difficult to accommodate young apprentices who must attend college two days each week.
Meanwhile, some traditional trades—including joinery, carpentry, plastering and bricklaying—have opportunities available but not enough applicants.
There is a clear disconnect between college courses, young people’s choices, industry requirements and the placements employers can provide.
I am calling on our local FE colleges, industry and government to work together. Training places must reflect genuine employment opportunities, courses must meet the needs of our engineering, construction, food and agri-food sectors, and meaningful financial support for employers must be reinstated.
Our young people want to work, and our businesses need skilled people. We must build a system that properly connects them.
SDLP Councillor Karol McQuade
