We offer a wide range of apprenticeship programmes that start at an intermediate level and extend to advanced and higher levels.
Apprenticeships can study on a part-time basis with potential funding through Department of Education, Sport & Culture (DESC); an attractive and viable option for you to develop your workforce and to drive innovation and growth.
Our apprenticeship programmes are continuously growing. If you have any suggestions regarding new apprenticeships, we are happy to discuss them with you.
WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME?
An apprenticeship is a way of linking together working and studying in an area that an individual has an interest in. This mixture not only provides individuals with a qualification but with an opportunity to earn a wage during their studies. Apprentices also provide employers with skilled employees, which contribute to the company’s success by attracting new staff, filling skills gaps and improving staff retention. So many employers on the island are actively taking part in our apprenticeship programmes, providing opportunities across many sectors for individuals to start a new career.
WHAT TYPE OF APPRENTICESHIP PROGMRAMMES ARE AVAILABLE?
Apprenticeships now span most areas of work and are no longer restricted to what most people think of a “traditional apprenticeship”. New apprentice frameworks are being developed and made available all the time. Apprenticeships are available at many levels and are designed to reflect the needs of a particular economic sector on the island.
Foundation, intermediate, advanced and higher apprenticeships are available and individuals are placed on the most suitable level for them and their employer.
Apprenticeship frameworks are designed with employers in mind, ensuring that the skills gained whilst on an apprenticeship not only support the employer's business but those skills and qualifications will enable the apprentice to progress from one level to the next, whilst developing their career as appropriate. This means that apprenticeships can be as short as one year to complete, but this is dependent upon the skills requirement of the sector.
WHAT APPRENTICESHIPS ARE AVAILABLE AT UCM?
Current apprenticeships available include:
- Agriculture
- Brickwork
- Business Administration
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Construction Technician
- Creative Arts/Media
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrical Installation
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Hairdressing
- Hospitality and Catering
- Horticulture
- Information Communication Technology
- Motor Vehicle Engineering
- Painting & Decorating
- Plumbing
- Sports
There are new apprenticeship frameworks being developed all the time, so please keep an eye on the website for further details or contact us.
HOW ARE APPRENTICESHIPS FUNDED?
In most cases, the Department of Education, Sport & Culture (DESC) provides funding towards the cost of the qualification. The apprentice has to be registered with The Training Services Team, following an approved apprentice framework under an apprenticeship agreement/contract. For more information, please contact training@gov.im
WHEN CAN AN APPRENTICE START THEIR APPRENTICESHIP?
Most apprenticeships begin in September, however where there are a high number of employers wanting apprentices for the workplace, a rolling programme may be provided and apprentices can start at different points during the year. There may also be a need for a different start date for certain sectors, for example where the demands of the workplace are high during peak periods and it may be difficult for an employer to release an apprentice. Please call UCM on 648200 or email mail@ucm.ac.im if you have a specific question on start dates.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?
If you would like further information, please contact UCM on 648200; if you would like to be involved in developing a new framework for your industry/employment sector, please contact 648200 or email apprenticeships@ucm.ac.im